Recombinant host cells and methods for the production of l-lactic acid

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are recombinant cells comprising a heterologous L-lactate dehydrogenase, and processes of preparing L-lactic acid employing such cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/046,708, filed Oct. 9, 2020, which is a § 371 national phase application of PCT/US2019,026952, filed Apr. 11, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and Article 2 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/657,432, filed Apr. 13, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/809,156, filed Feb. 22, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/809,196, filed Feb. 22, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a Sequence Listing submitted herewith via EFS-web in computer readable form, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The ASCII copy, created on Mar. 4, 2019, is named LYGOS_0024_01_WO_ST25 and is 68 KB in size.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to methods and materials for the production of L-lactic acid including, for example, isolated synthetic and natural nucleic acids, synthetic and natural polypeptides, host cells, and methods and materials for producing L-lactic acid by direct fermentation from carbon sources, along with methods of preparing L-lactic acid polymers.

BACKGROUND

Lactic acid has been used historically for food acidulation and preservation. Recently, the global market for lactic acid has increased due to demand for biodegradable plastics in food packaging, medical devices, and personal care products, all of which comprise lactic acid-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is predominantly manufactured from L-lactic acid. PLA can be a competitive replacement for petrochemical-derived plastics that employ depleting feedstocks and hazardous, energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

Current PLA polymers are used for single-use products, such as disposable, non-microwaveable food packaging. However, high-temperature PLA can replace the durable petrochemical plastics polypropylene and polystyrene, which opens up new market applications.

L-lactic acid can be manufactured by microbial fermentation. However, existing materials and methods to produce high purity L-lactic acid by microbial fermentation are incapable of satisfying performance metrics at commercial scale (see, for example, Okano et al, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol (2010) 85:413-423). Existing bacterial fermentations may also require complex and expensive nutrients in fermentation media, prohibiting applications at commercial scale. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, efforts may be impaired by the inability of engineered host cells to grow, which lead to low L-lactic acid yields and productivities. There is a need to produce L-lactic acid in high yield, in some instances with acid tolerant organisms and with reduced byproduct formation from bio-based, renewable sources.

SUMMARY

The long-term economic and environmental concerns associated with the petrochemical industry have provided the impetus for the development and use of renewable chemicals (such as bio-based chemicals) that can be utilized instead of petroleum-derived chemicals. Such renewable chemicals include lactic acids, which are important building block chemicals that are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including polypropylene and polystyrene. Recent development of biorefining processes which convert renewable feedstocks into bio-based lactic acid can provide the necessary reagents for producing bio-based products. As a more sustainable alternative to petrochemically-derived products, there is a great need for bio-based L-lactic acid and polymers made therefrom, such as bio-based polypropylene and polystyrene, as well as methods of making these renewable compositions.

The present disclosure provides materials and methods for efficient production of high purity and high yield L-lactic acid by microbial fermentation. These recombinant cells have alterations to one or more of: (1) L-lactic acid pathway enzyme(s), (2) ancillary proteins gene(s) and (3) byproduct pathway enzyme(s). The present disclosure further describes methods for purifying and analyzing fermentation product synthesized by such recombinant cells and L-lactic acid-based polymers.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a recombinant cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid encoding L-lactate dehydrogenase. In some embodiments, the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the heterologous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amount to produce L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, the recombinant cell is a yeast cell. In some embodiments, the recombinant cell is a prokaryotic cell.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a recombinant cell further comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins selected from organic acid transporters and redox cofactor biogenesis proteins. In some embodiments, the heterologous nucleic acid encodes an organic acid transporter having at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a recombinant cell further comprising a genetic disruption of one or more genes encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase, a protein subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein is a method for producing L-lactic acid that comprises culturing the recombinant cells of this disclosure under fermentation conditions suitable to produce L-lactic acid, or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises isolating the L-lactic acid, or salt thereof.

In another aspect, provided here is a method for producing a lactic acid polymer that comprises culturing the recombinant cell of this disclosure under fermentation conditions suitable to produce L-lactic acid, or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises isolating the L-lactic acid or salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises optionally converting the L-lactic acid or salt thereof to an L-lactic acid derivative. In some embodiments, the method comprises producing a lactic acid polymer using the isolated L-lactic acid, the salt thereof, or the L-lactic acid derivative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides materials and methods, and embodiments for the biological production and purification of L-lactic acid. This Detailed Description contains parts identified by headings merely for a reader's convenience, and, as will be apparent to the skilled artisan, disclosure found in any part can be relevant to any other part of this disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to particular nucleic acids, expression vectors, enzymes, biosynthetic pathways, host microorganisms, processes, or enantiomers, as such may vary. Because lactic acid encompasses two different enantiomers—D-lactic acid (synonymous with R-lactic acid and (+)-lactic acid) and L-lactic acid (synonymous with S-lactic acid and (−)-lactic acid)—many materials, methods, and embodiments disclosed that relate to L-lactic acid also pertain to D-lactic acid. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process steps or process flows, in accordance with this disclosure. All such modifications are within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings.

The term “heterologous” as used herein refers to a material that is non-native to a cell. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid is heterologous to a cell, and so is a “heterologous nucleic acid” with respect to that cell, if at least one of the following is true: 1) the nucleic acid is not naturally found in that cell (that is, it is an “exogenous” nucleic acid); 2) the nucleic acid is naturally found in a given host cell (that is, “endogenous to”), but the nucleic acid or the RNA or protein resulting from transcription and translation of this nucleic acid is produced or present in the host cell in an unnatural (for example, greater or lesser than naturally present) amount; 3) the nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein endogenous to a host cell but differs in sequence from the endogenous nucleotide sequence that encodes that same protein (having the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence), typically resulting in the protein being produced in a greater amount in the cell, or in the case of an enzyme, producing a mutant version possessing altered (for example, higher or lower or different) activity; and/or 4) the nucleic acid comprises two or more nucleotide sequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in the cell. In an embodiment, a protein is heterologous to a host cell if it is produced by translation of RNA or the corresponding RNA is produced by transcription of a heterologous nucleic acid. In another embodiment, a protein is also heterologous to a host cell if it is a mutated version of an endogenous protein, and the mutation was introduced by genetic engineering.

The terms “homologous,” “homology,” “identity,” “sequence identity” and variations thereof refer to the similarity of a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence, in some embodiments in the context of a coding sequence for a gene or the amino acid sequence of a protein. Homology or identity searches can be employed using a known, or reference, amino acid or coding sequence for a useful protein to identify coding sequences or proteins that have similar sequences and thus are likely to perform the same function as the protein defined by the reference sequence. A protein having homology or high sequence identity to a reference protein can be identified, for example and without limitation, by a BLAST (https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) search. A protein with high percent homology or sequence identity is highly likely to carry out the identical biochemical reaction as the reference protein. In an embodiment, two enzymes having greater than 60% homology or sequence identity will carry out identical biochemical reactions, and the higher the homology or sequence identity, i.e., 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or greater than 95% homology or sequence identity, the more likely the two proteins have the same or similar function. In another embodiment, a protein with at least 60% homology or sequence identity to its reference protein is defined as homologous to its reference protein.

Generally, homologous proteins share substantial sequence identity. Sets of homologous proteins generally possess one or more specific amino acids that are conserved across all members of the consensus sequence protein class. The percent sequence identity of a protein relative to a consensus sequence is determined by aligning the protein sequence against the consensus sequence. Various sequence alignment algorithms are suitable for aligning a protein with a consensus sequence. See, for example, Needleman, S B, et al., “A general method applicable to the search for similarities in the amino acid sequence of two proteins.” Journal of Molecular Biology 48 (3): 443-53 (1970). Following alignment of the protein sequence relative to the consensus sequence, the percentage of positions where the protein possesses an amino acid described by the same position in the consensus sequence determines the percent sequence identity or homology to the consensus sequence. When a degenerate amino acid is present in a consensus sequence, any of the amino acids described by the degenerate amino acid may be present in the protein at the aligned position for the protein to be identical to the consensus sequence at the aligned position. In one embodiment, when it is not possible to distinguish between two closely related amino acids, the following one-letter symbols may be used—“B” refers to aspartic acid or asparagine; “Z” refers to glutamine or glutamic acid; “J” refers to leucine or isoleucine; and “X” or “+” refers to any amino acid. A dash (−) in a consensus sequence indicates that there is no amino acid at the specified position.

In addition to identification of useful enzymes by percent homology or sequence identity with a given consensus sequence, in one embodiment enzymes useful in the compositions and methods provided herein can also be identified by the number of highly conserved amino acid residues relative to a consensus sequence. For the consensus sequence provided herein, a number of highly conserved amino acid residues are described. In this embodiment, enzymes useful in the compositions and methods provided herein have a substantial number, and sometimes all, of the highly conserved amino acids at positions aligning with the indicated residues in the consensus sequence. As with percent homology or sequence identity, the presence or absence of these highly conserved amino acids can be determined by alignment of the query protein sequence relative to the consensus sequence, as described above.

The terms “expression vector” or “vector” refer to a nucleic acid and/or a composition comprising a nucleic acid that can be introduced into a host cell, for example, by transduction, transformation, or infection, such that the cell then produces (i.e., expresses) nucleic acids and/or proteins contained in or encoded by the sequence of the vector, which in some embodiments are nucleic acids and/or proteins other than those native to the cell, or in a manner not native to the cell. Thus, an “expression vector” contains nucleic acids to be expressed by the host cell. Optionally, the expression vector can be contained in materials to aid in achieving entry of the nucleic acids into the host cell, such as the materials associated with a virus, liposome, protein coating, or the like. Expression vectors suitable for use in various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure comprise those into which a nucleic acid sequence can be, or has been, inserted, along with any operational elements. Thus, an expression vector can be transferred into a host cell and replicated therein. In an embodiment, an expression vector that integrates into chromosomal, mitochondrial, or plastid DNA is employed. In another embodiment, an expression vector that replicates extrachromosomally is employed. Typical expression vectors include plasmids, and expression vectors typically contain operational elements for transcription of a nucleic acid in the vector.

The terms “ferment”, “fermentative”, and “fermentation” are used herein to describe culturing microbes under conditions to produce useful chemicals, including but not limited to conditions under which microbial growth, be it aerobic or anaerobic, occurs.

The terms “host cell”, “recombinant host cell,” “recombinant cell” and “recombinant host microorganism” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a living cell that can be, or has been, transformed via insertion of an expression vector. A host cell or microorganism as described herein may be a prokaryotic cell (for example, a microorganism of the kingdom Eubacteria) or a eukaryotic cell. A prokaryotic cell lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, while a eukaryotic cell has a membrane-bound nucleus.

The terms “isolated” or “pure” refer to material that is substantially, for example, greater than 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99%, free of components that normally accompany it in its native state, for example, the state in which it is naturally found or the state in which it exists when it is first produced. Additionally, any reference to a “purified” material is intended to refer to an isolated or pure material.

The terms “genetic disruption,” “genetic modification” and “genetic alteration” are used interchangeably to refer to ways of altering genomic, chromosomal or plasmid-based gene expression. Non-limiting examples of genetic disruptions include gene editing (for example CRISPR/Cas9, zinc finger nucleases, TALEN), RNAi, nucleic acid deletions, nucleic acid insertions, nucleic acid substitutions, nucleic acid mutations, knockouts, premature stop codons, transcriptional promoter modifications, and the like. Genetic disruptions give rise to altered gene expression and or altered protein activity. Altered gene expression encompasses decreased, eliminated and increased gene expression levels. In one embodiment, altered gene expression results in altered protein expression.

As used herein, “recombinant” refers to the alteration of genetic material by human intervention. In some embodiments, recombinant refers to the manipulation of DNA or RNA in a cell or virus or expression vector by molecular biology/recombinant DNA technology methods, for example cloning and recombination. Recombinant can also refer to manipulation of DNA or RNA in a cell or virus by random or directed mutagenesis. A “recombinant” cell or nucleic acid can be described with reference to how it differs from a naturally occurring, wild-type counterpart. In this disclosure, reference to a cell or nucleic acid that has been “engineered” or “modified” and variations of those terms, refers to a recombinant cell or nucleic acid.

The terms “transduce”, “transform”, “transfect”, and variations thereof refer to the introduction of one or more nucleic acids into a cell. In an embodiment, the nucleic acid is stably maintained or replicated by the cell for a sufficient period of time to enable the function(s) or product(s) it encodes to be expressed. Stable maintenance or replication of a nucleic acid may take place either by incorporation of the sequence of nucleic acids into the cellular chromosomal DNA, for example the genome as occurs by chromosomal integration, or by replication extrachromosomally, as occurs with a freely-replicating plasmid. A virus can be stably maintained or replicated when it is “infective”: when it transduces a host microorganism, replicates, and spreads progeny expression vectors, for example, viruses, of the same type as the original transducing expression vector to other microorganisms.

“L-lactic acid” means the dextrorotatory molecule having the chemical formula C₃H₆O₃ and a molecular mass of 90.078 g/mol (CAS No. 79-33-4). The terms “S-lactic acid”, “(+)-lactic acid”, “L-(+)-lactic acid”, “(2S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid”, “(S)-(+)-lactic acid”, “(S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid”, “(S)-2-hydroxypropionic acid”, “(S)-lactic acid”, “(S)-a-hydroxypropionic acid” all describe the same molecule and are used interchangeably in the art.

In conditions with pH values higher than the pKa of L-lactic acid (for example, about pH>3.86 when using a base, such as sodium hydroxide), L-lactic acid is deprotonated to the L-lactate anion C₃H₅O₃ ⁻. In this disclosure, “L-lactate anion” is used interchangeably with “L-lactate”, “(+)-lactate”, “S-(+)-lactate”, “(2S)-2-hydroxypropanoate”, “(S)-2-hydroxypropanoate”, “(S)-2-hydroxypropionate”, “(S)-lactate”, “(S)-α-hydroxypropionate.”

The L-lactate anion is capable of forming an ionic bond with a cation to produce an L-lactate salt. In this disclosure, the term “L-lactate” refers to a variety of L-lactate salt forms and is used interchangeably with “L-lactate salts”. Non-limiting examples of L-lactates comprise sodium L-lactate, calcium L-lactate, and lithium L-lactate. L-lactate salts can crystallize in various states of hydration.

The L-lactic acid, L-lactate salt, and L-lactate esters, of the present disclosure are synthesized from biologically produced organic components by a fermenting microorganism. For example, L-lactic acid, L-lactate salts, or their precursor(s) are synthesized from the fermentation of sugars by recombinant host cells of the present disclosure.

The prefix “bio-” or the adjective “bio-based” may be used to distinguish these biologically-produced L-lactic acid and L-lactate salts from those that are derived from petroleum feedstocks. The terms “bio-based” or “non-petrochemically derived” or “renewable” as used herein refer to an organic compound that is synthesized from biologically produced organic components by fermenting a microorganism. For example, an acid which was itself synthesized from glucose (for example, derived from cornstarch) by a genetically engineered microorganism is bio-based or non-petrochemically derived. As used herein, a compound of renewable or non-petrochemical origin comprises carbon atoms that have a non-petrochemical origin. These compounds are distinguished from wholly petroleum-derived compounds or those entirely of fossil origin. Such compounds have a ¹⁴C amount substantially higher than zero, such as about 1 parts per trillion or more, because they are derived from photosynthesis-based starting material, such as for example, glucose or another feedstock used in producing such a compound.

The redox cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD, comes in two forms—phosphorylated and un-phosphorylated. The term “NAD(P)” or “NADP” refer to both phosphorylated (NADP) and un-phosphorylated (NAD) forms and encompasses oxidized versions (NAD+ and NADP+) and reduced versions (NADH and NADPH) of both forms. The term “NAD(P)+” refers to the oxidized versions of phosphorylated and un-phosphorylated NAD, i.e., NAD+ and NADP+. Similarly, the term “NAD(P)H” refers to the reduced versions of phosphorylated and un-phosphorylated NAD, i.e., NADH and NADPH. When NAD(P)H is used to describe the redox cofactor in an enzyme catalyzed reaction, it indicates that NADH and/or NADPH is used. Similarly, when NAD(P)+ is the notation used, it indicates that NAD+ and/or NADP+ is used. While many proteins may bind either a phosphorylated or un-phosphorylated cofactor, there are redox cofactor promiscuous proteins, natural or engineered, that are indiscriminate; in these cases, the protein may use either NADH and/or NADPH. In some embodiments, enzymes that preferentially utilize either NAD(P) or NAD may carry out the same catalytic reaction when bound to either form.

Various values for temperatures, titers, yields, oxygen uptake rate (OUR), and pH are recited in the description and in the claims. In some embodiments, these values are not exact and can be approximated to the rightmost/last/least significant figure. For example, a temperature range of from about 30° C. to about 42° C. covers the range 25° C. to 44° C.

D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid are enantiomers (also known as optical isomers); they are molecules that share the same molecular weight of 90.078 g/mol and are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, analogous to one's left and right hands being the same and not superimposable by simple reorientation around an axis. The D- or (+)-enantiomer rotates polarized light clockwise (to the right) while the L- or (−)-enantiomer rotates polarized light counterclockwise (to the left). Solutions with a mixture of both enantiomers are racemic mixtures and are typically produced by microbes that naturally produce lactic acid. Lactic acid enantiomers are prohibitively expensive to separate out at commercial scale. High enantiomeric purity (i.e., 99.5% and above) enables one to titrate specific physical properties of PLA blends; enantiomer-exclusive precursors, catalysts and/or enzymes will typically be present for a biosynthetic pathway to give rise to an enantiomerically/optically pure product (i.e., a lactic acid solution that comprises only one of the two enantiomers at >99.5% purity).

In a one aspect, this disclosure provides recombinant host cells capable of producing L-lactic acid comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acids that encode the L-lactic acid biosynthetic pathway, wherein the pathway enzymes comprise an L-lactate dehydrogenase (LLDH).

In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding the LLDH from Lactobacillus helveticus. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress two copies of Lactobacillus helveticus L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expressed from a constitutive TDH1 promoter. In certain embodiments, if an LDH is not overexpressed, no (or only trace amounts) of lactic acid are produced. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding an L-lactate dehydrogenase with at least 60% amino acid sequence homology to SEQ ID NO: 1.

In some embodiments, the L-lactate dehydrogenase comprises the residues GXGXXG, where X refers to any amino acid, and wherein 1-3 amino acid residues located 20-22 residues downstream to the GXGXXG sequence is mutated, in some embodiments to a neutral amino acid, as compared to a wild type sequence.

In some embodiments, the L-lactate dehydrogenase comprises the residues GXGXXG, where X refers to any amino acid, and wherein a negatively charged amino acid, such as D, 20-22 located residues downstream to the GXGXXG residue is changed to a neutral amino acid, as compared to a wild type sequence.

In some embodiments, the recombinant host cell is a yeast cell. In certain embodiments, the yeast cell belongs to the Issatchenkia orientalis/Pichia fermentans clade. In some embodiments, the yeast cell belongs to the genus Pichia, Issatchenkia or Candida. In some embodiments, the yeast cell is Pichia kudriavzevii. In some embodiments, the yeast cell belongs to the Saccharomyces clade. In some embodiments, the yeast cell is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In other embodiments, the recombinant host cell is a prokaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the prokaryotic cell belongs to the genus Escherichia, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, or Lactococcus. In some embodiments, the prokaryotic cell is Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Bacillus subtilis, or Lactococcus lactis.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides recombinant host cells that further comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary proteins that function in redox cofactor biogenesis and/or organic acid transport. In some embodiments, the one or more ancillary proteins comprise a protein with at least 60% amino acid sequence homology with SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides recombinant host cells that further comprise a genetic disruption of one or more genes wherein the one or more genes encode pyruvate decarboxylase, a protein subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more genes has at least 60% sequence homology to SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or any combination thereof. In some of these embodiments, the recombinant host cells produce less than 5 g/L of ethanol, less than 5 g/L of pyruvate, less than 5 g/L of acetate, less than 5 g/L of glycerol, or any combination thereof, in the fermentation broth.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for the production of L-lactic acid that comprises culturing the recombinant host cells of the disclosure for a sufficient period of time to produce L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, the method further comprises an oxygen transfer rate greater than 5 mmol/L/hr. In some embodiments, the method further comprises an operational temperature of between about 25° C. and about 45° C. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a final fermentation broth pH of between pH 2-5. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing at least 100 g/L glucose to the recombinant host cell and producing an L-lactic acid yield of at least 25%. In some embodiments, the method further comprises production of L-lactic acid with an enantiomeric purity of at least 99.5%.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for the recovery of L-lactic acid and L-lactate salts from the fermentation broth.

The recombinant host cells, and processes provided herein are advantageous because they utilize aerobic fermentation. First, glucose, which is a carbon source for producing L-lactic acid, is catabolized faster under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions. Second, a small fraction of glucose catabolized under aerobic conditions is used for ATP production, thereby enabling higher L-lactic acid titers and productivity, while allowing the fermentation to be run at a low pH. A series of genetic modifications are used, as provided herein, to enable efficient L-lactic acid production in an aerobic fermentation.

In one embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided and utilized herein comprise URA2 gene knockouts. Accordingly, such host cells are uracil auxotrophic strains. The uracil auxotrophic strains utilized herein are advantageous for various reasons. First, the auxotrophy allows for controlling the amount of biomass formed by changing the amount of uracil supplemented in the fermentation medium. Second, upon exhaustion of uracil, the strain no longer grows but still consumes glucose at a fast rate. Overall, this enables a two-phase fermentation, where depending on the availability of uracil, growth is separated from lactic acid production. When uracil is available, the strain grows. When uracil is depleted, the strain stops growing but efficiently converts glucose to lactic acid.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a knockout of one or more, in some embodiments two or more, in other embodiments three, pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) genes selected from PDC1, PDC5, and PDC6. Pyruvate decarboxylases are responsible for conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde; accordingly, pyruvate decarboxylase knockouts reduce formation of acetaldehyde-derived products and increases lactic acid production by increasing pyruvate substrate availability for LDH in the cytosol. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered PDC gene (for example, one or more of PDC1, PDC5, or PDC6) that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the PDC protein is active, whereas at higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the PDC protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced pyruvate decarboxylase activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a knockout of mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.99.3), which is NDE1. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a knockout of mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase, which is NDE2. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a knockout of NDE1, and NDE2. NADH dehydrogenase is responsible for a majority of NADH re-oxidation activity in the cytosol under aerobic conditions. The knockout enables efficient lactic acid production under aerobic conditions by substantially eliminating a major source of native NADH re-oxidation activity in the cytosol. Thus, LDH activity becomes the major route via which the cell re-oxidizes NADH under aerobic conditions in the absence of growth.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered NADH dehydrogenase gene (for example, NED1 and/or NED2) that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the NADH dehydrogenase protein is active, whereas at higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the NADH dehydrogenase protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced NADH dehydrogenase activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a knockout of a PDA1 gene, which is a subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Pyruvate dehydrogenase is responsible for converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria. The knockout reduces formation of acetyl-CoA derived products and increases lactic acid production by increasing pyruvate substrate availability for LDH in the cytosol.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered PDA1 gene that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the PDA1 protein is active and it enables good conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria. The acetyl-CoA is used for growth, ATP formation, and, more general cellular activities. At higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the PDA1 protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced PDA1 activity. In this manner, a two-phase fermentation with respect to temperature is enabled. Low temperature is thus beneficial for growth and high temperature for lactic acid production. Therefore, in certain embodiments, temperature and uracil are used to efficiently switch from growth to lactic acid production phase.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a ZWF1 knockout. ZWF1 is a cytoplasmic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49). These knockouts decrease carbon flux through the pentose phosphate pathway, thereby decreasing NADPH production and increasing NADH production during the conversion of glucose to pyruvate via glycolytic enzymes. The increased amount of NADH may increase lactic acid production (yield, titer, and/or productivity) and decrease pyruvate accumulation. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered ZWF1 gene that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the ZWF1 protein is active and it enables pyruvate accumulation, and subsequently conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria. At higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the ZWF1 protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced ZWF1 activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8), GPD1 knockouts. These knockouts decrease glycerol formation. Glycerol is a major byproduct, which reduces lactic acid production; additionally, this knockout may increase the amount of NADH available for lactic acid production, resulting in increased lactic acid production and decreased pyruvate accumulation. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered GPD1 gene that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the GPD1 protein is active, whereas at higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the GPD 1 protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced GPD 1 activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise an NAD kinase (NADK; EC 2.7.1.23) knockout. In one embodiment, the NADK knockout is a YEF1 knockout. In another embodiment, the NADK knockout is a POS5 knockout. These knockouts may decrease oxidation of cytosolic NADH and NADPH, thereby increasing the cytosolic availability of NAD(P)H for re-oxidation by the LDH and may decrease pyruvate accumulation and increase lactate production. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered NADK gene (for example, a YEF1 and/or a POS5) that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the NADK protein is active, whereas at higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the NADK protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced NADK activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein comprise a dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, DLD1B, knockout. A DLD1B knockout decreases native lactic acid catabolism and may increase lactate production. In another embodiment, the recombinant host cells provided herein overexpress an engineered DLD1B gene that contains a temperature-sensitive intein. At low temperature (for example, at about 30° C.) the DLD1B protein is active, whereas at higher temperatures (for example, at about 37-42° C.) the DLD1B protein is no longer functionally expressed and the host cells exhibit reduced DLD1B activity, and eventually increased lactic acid production.

In one embodiment, if the host cell is a yeast cell, then the host cell excludes: a deletion or disruption of at least one native L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase gene. In another embodiment, if the host cell is yeast, the yeast strain produces more than about 80% g lactic acid per g glucose.

In another embodiment, if the host cell is of genera Candida, the host cell does not express a metabolic phenotype that is a Crabtree-negative phenotype. In another embodiment, if the host cell expresses a metabolic phenotype that is a Crabtree-negative phenotype, the host cell is not of genera Candida. In another embodiment, if the host cell is of genera Candida, and the lactate dehydrogenase protein-encoding nucleic acid is operatively linked to a promoter functional in a yeast cell from a Candida species that is a Candida sonorensis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida naeodendra, Candida methanosorbosa, Candida entomophila, Candida krusei, Candida blankii, or Candida diddensiae cell, the host cell does not express a metabolic phenotype that is the Crabtree-negative phenotype.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is a method for producing a lactic acid polymer comprising: culturing the recombinant host cells as disclosed herein under fermentation conditions for a sufficient period of time to produce L-lactic acid, or a salt thereof; optionally converting the L-lactic acid or salt thereof to a D-lactic acid derivative; recovering at least one of L-lactic acid, a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, from the fermentation broth; and producing a lactic acid polymer using the recovered L-lactic acid, a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof as at least one polymerization material.

Methods for converting L-lactic acid to poly L-lactic acid (PLLA), are known in the art. Similarly, practitioners in the art are equipped to use and/or modify methods to convert L-lactic and D-lactic acid to poly(-D,L-lactide), and subsequently, a blended PLA, with varying D- to L-lactic acid ratios towards desired chemical and physical properties.

The L-lactic acid provided herein has non-petrochemical based carbons or has a ¹⁴C amount substantially higher than zero, such as about 1 parts per trillion or more. Such non-petrochemical based (or bio-based or renewable) L-lactic acid has a ¹⁴C amount substantially higher than zero, such as about 1 parts per trillion or more, because they are derived from photosynthesis based starting material.

Recombinant Host Cells for Production of L-Lactic Acid

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides recombinant host cells engineered to produce L-lactic acid, wherein the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes. In particular embodiments, the recombinant host cells further comprise disruptions or deletions of endogenous nucleic acids that improve yields, titers and/or productivities of L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid under aerobic conditions. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid under substantially anaerobic conditions. The recombinant host cells produce L-lactic acid at increased titers, yields and productivities as compared to a parental host cell that does not comprise said heterologous nucleic acids.

In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells further comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary gene products (i.e., gene products other than the product pathway enzymes) that improve yields, titers and/or productivities of L-lactic acid. In particular embodiments, the recombinant host cells further comprise disruptions or deletions of endogenous nucleic acids that improve yields, titers and/or productivities of L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid under aerobic conditions. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid under substantially anaerobic conditions. The recombinant host cells produce one or more ancillary gene products at increased titers, yields and productivities as compared to a parental host cell that does not comprise said heterologous nucleic acids.

Any suitable host cell may be used in practice of the methods of the present disclosure, and in some examples, host cells useful in the compositions and methods provided herein comprise archaeal, prokaryotic, or eukaryotic cells. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cell is a prokaryotic cell. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cell is a eukaryotic cell.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cell is a yeast cell. In various embodiments, yeast cells useful in the methods of the present disclosure comprise yeasts of the genera Aciculoconidium, Ambrosiozyma, Arthroascus, Arxiozyma, Ashbya, Babjevia, Bensingtonia, Botryoascus, Botryozyma, Brettanomyces, Bullera, Bulleromyces, Candida, Citeromyces, Clavispora, Cryptococcus, Cystofilobasidium, Debaryomyces, Dekkara, Dipodascopsis, Dipodascus, Eeniella, Endomycopsella, Eremascus, Eremothecium, Erythrobasidium, Fellomyces, Filobasidium, Galactomyces, Geotrichum, Guilliermondella, Hanseniaspora, Hansenula, Hasegawaea, Holtermannia, Hormoascus, Hyphopichia, Issatchenkia, Kloeckera, Kloeckeraspora, Kluyveromyces, Kondoa, Kuraishia, Kurtzmanomyces, Leucosporidium, Lipomyces, Lodderomyces, Malassezia, Metschnikowia, Mrakia, Myxozyma, Nadsonia, Nakazawaea, Nematospora, Ogataea, Oosporidium, Pachysolen, Phachytichospora, Phaffia, Pichia, Rhodosporidium, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Saccharomycodes, Saccharomycopsis, Saitoella, Sakaguchia, Saturnospora, Schizoblastosporion, Schizosaccharomyces, Schwanniomyces, Sporidiobolus, Sporobolomyces, Sporopachydermia, Stephanoascus, Sterigmatomyces, Sterigmatosporidium, Symbiotaphrina, Sympodiomyces, Sympodiomycopsis, Torulaspora, Trichosporiella, Trichosporon, Trigonopsis, Tsuchiyaea, Udeniomyces, Waltomyces, Wickerhamia, Wickerhamiella, Williopsis, Yamadazyma, Yarrowia, Zygoascus, Zygosaccharomyces, Zygowilliopsis, and Zygozyma, among others.

In various embodiments, the yeast cell is of a species selected from the non-limiting group comprising Candida albicans, Candida ethanolica, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida lipolytica, Candida methanosorbosa, Candida sonorensis, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Cryptococcus curvatus, Hansenula polymorpha, Issatchenkia orientalis, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces thermotolerans, Komagataella pastoris, Lipomyces starkeyi, Pichia angusta, Pichia deserticola, Pichia galeiformis, Pichia kodamae, Pichia kudriavzevii (P. kudriavzevii), Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia methanolica, Pichia pastoris, Pichia salicaria, Pichia stipitis, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia trehalophila, Rhodosporidium toruloides, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula graminis, Saccharomyces bayanus, Saccharomyces boulardi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), Saccharomyces kluyveri, Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) and Yarrowia lipolytica.

The Crabtree phenomenon refers to the capability of yeast cells to convert glucose to alcohol in the presence of high sugar concentrations and oxygen instead of producing biomass via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Yeast cells produce alcohol to prevent growth of competing microorganisms in high sugar environments, which yeast cells can utilize later on when the sugars are depleted. Many yeast can typically use two pathways to produce ATP from sugars: the first involves the conversion of sugars (via pyruvate) to carbon dioxide via the TCA cycle, and the second involves the conversion of sugars (via pyruvate) to ethanol. Yeast cells that display a Crabtree effect (known as Crabtree-positive yeast cells) are able to simultaneously use both pathways. Yeast cells that do not display a Crabtree effect (known as Crabtree-negative yeast cells) only convert pyruvate to ethanol when oxygen is absent. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the host cell is a Crabtree-positive yeast cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a Crabtree-negative yeast cell. In certain embodiments, the host cell displays a phenotype along a continuum of traits between Crabtree-positive and Crabtree-negative and is thus neither exclusively a Crabtree-positive yeast cell nor Crabtree negative yeast cell. It is advantageous to use a Crabtree-negative yeast or a yeast with perceptible Crabtree-negative tendencies or traits to produce L-lactic acid because high glucose concentrations can be maintained during product biosynthesis without ethanol accumulation; ethanol is an undesired byproduct in L-lactic acid production. P. kudriavzevii does not produce appreciable amounts of ethanol from pyruvate at high glucose concentrations in the presence of oxygen, and as such is a Crabtree-negative yeast. In some embodiments, the host cell is P. kudriavzevii.

In certain embodiments, the recombinant yeast cells provided herein are engineered by the introduction of one or more genetic modifications (including, for example, heterologous nucleic acids encoding enzymes and/or the disruption of native nucleic acids encoding enzymes) into a Crabtree-negative yeast cell. In certain of these embodiments, the host cell belongs to the Pichia/Issatchenkia/Saturnispora/Dekkera Glade. In certain of these embodiments, the host cell belongs to the genus selected from the group comprising Pichia, Issatchenkia, or Candida. In certain embodiments, the host cell belongs to the genus Pichia, and in some of these embodiments the host cell is P. kudriavzevii. Members of the Pichia/Issatchenkia/Saturnispora/Dekkera or the Saccharomyces clade are identified by analysis of their 26S ribosomal DNA using the methods described by Kurtzman C. P., and Robnett C. J., (“Identification and Phylogeny of Ascomycetous Yeasts from Analysis of Nuclear Large Subunit (26S) Ribosomal DNA Partial Sequences”, Atonie van Leeuwenhoek 73(4):331-371; 1998). Kurtzman and Robnett report analysis of approximately 500 ascomycetous yeasts were analyzed for the extent of divergence in the variable D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (26S) ribosomal DNA. Host cells encompassed by a clade exhibit greater sequence identity in the D1/D2 domain of the 26S ribosomal subunit DNA to other host cells within the clade as compared to host cells outside the clade. Therefore, host cells that are members of a clade (for example, the Pichia/Issatchenkia/Saturnispora/Dekkera or Saccharomyces clades) can be identified in one way using the methods of Kurtzman and Robnett.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cells are engineered by introduction of one or more genetic modifications into a Crabtree-positive yeast cell. In certain of these embodiments, the host cell belongs to the Saccharomyces clade. In certain of these embodiments, the host cell belongs to a genus selected from the group comprising Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Brettanomyces, Torulopsis, Nematospora and Nadsonia. In certain embodiments, the host cell belongs to the genus Saccharomyces, and in one of these embodiments the host cell is S. cerevisiae.

In addition to yeast cells, other eukaryotic cells are also suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure, so long as the engineered host cell is capable of growth and/or product formation. Illustrative examples of eukaryotic host cells provided by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, cells belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Crypthecodinium, Cunninghamella, Entomophthora, Mortierella, Mucor, Neurospora, Pythium, Schizochytrium, Thraustochytrium, Trichoderma, and Xanthophyllomyces. Examples of eukaryotic strains include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Crypthecodinium cohnii, Cunninghamella japonica, Entomophthora coronata, Mortierella alpina, Mucor circinelloides, Neurospora crassa, Pythium ultimum, Schizochytrium limacinum, Thraustochytrium aureum, Trichoderma reesei and Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

Archaeal cells are also suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure, and in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cell is an archaeal cell. Illustrative examples of recombinant archaea host cells provided by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, cells belonging to the genera: Aeropyrum, Archaeglobus, Halobacterium, Methanococcus, Methanobacterium, Pyrococcus, Sulfolobus, and Thermoplasma. Examples of archaea strains include, but are not limited to Archaeoglobus fulgidus, Halobacterium sp., Methanococcus jannaschii, Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, Thermoplasma acidophilum, Thermoplasma volcanium, Pyrococcus horikoshii, Pyrococcus abyssi, and Aeropyrum pernix.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cell is a prokaryotic cell. Prokaryotic cells are suitable host cells for construction of recombinant metabolic pathways comprising heterologous enzymes catalyzing production of small-molecule products. Illustrative examples of recombinant prokaryotic host cells include, but are not limited to, cells belonging to the genera Agrobacterium, Alicyclobacillus, Anabaena, Anacystis, Arthrobacter, Azobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Chromatium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Mesorhizobium, Methylobacterium, Microbacterium, Pantoea, Phormidium, Pseudomonas, Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodospirillum, Rhodococcus, Salmonella, Scenedesmun, Serratia, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Strepromyces, Synnecoccus, and Zymomonas. Examples of prokaryotic strains include, but are not limited to, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Bacillus amyloliquefacines, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Brevibacterium immariophilum, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium beigerinckii, Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum), Enterobacter sakazakii, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactococcus lactis, Mesorhizobium loti, Pantoea ananatis (P. ananatis), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas mevalonii, Pseudomonas pudita, Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Lactic Acid Pathway Enzymes

Provided herein in certain embodiments are recombinant host cells having at least one active lactic acid pathway from pyruvate to lactate. Recombinant host cells having an active lactic acid pathway as used herein are capable of producing one or more active enzymes capable of catalyzing the metabolic reaction in a lactic acid pathway, and therefore are capable of producing lactic acid in measurable yields and/or titers when cultured under suitable conditions. Recombinant host cells having a lactic acid pathway comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding lactic acid pathway enzyme(s) and are capable of producing lactic acid.

Eleven enzymatic steps are used to produce lactic acid from glucose. The first 10 steps are the endogenous glycolysis pathway that converts glucose to pyruvate. The last and 11th step uses a heterologous lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme to convert pyruvate to lactic acid. All eleven enzymatic steps take place in the cytosol. The lactic acid pathway described herein produces lactate from glucose with the following balanced, stoichiometric equation:

D-Glucose+2 ADP+2 orthophosphate=2 lactate+2 ATP+2H₂O

Recombinant host cells may employ combinations of metabolic reactions for biosynthetically producing the compounds of the present disclosure. The biosynthesized compounds produced by the recombinant host cells comprise lactate, lactic acid, and the intermediates, products and/or derivatives of the lactic acid pathway. The biosynthesized compounds can be produced intracellularly and/or secreted into the fermentation medium.

L-Lactate Dehydrogenase

The lactic acid pathway comprises a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) that converts one molecule of pyruvate and one molecule of reduced cofactor to one molecule of lactate and one molecule of oxidized cofactor. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding a LDH, wherein said recombinant host cells are capable of producing lactic acid. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one, more, or all of the aforementioned LDHs. In many embodiments, the LDH is derived from a prokaryotic source. In many embodiments, the LDH is derived from a eukaryotic source. Any enzyme is suitable for use in accordance with this disclosure so long as the enzyme is capable of catalyzing said LDH reaction.

In the L-lactic acid pathway specifically, an NADH(P)H-dependent LLDH (EC #1.1.1.27) converts one molecule of pyruvate and one molecule of reduced cofactor (for example, NAD(P)H) to one molecule of L-lactate and one molecule of oxidized cofactor (for example, NAD(P)+).

Most known LLDHs utilize NADH as the cofactor, and NADH-dependent LLDH will generally be used when NADH is produced during the recombinant host cell's glycolytic processes in converting glucose to pyruvate. In P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae, for example, the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in glycolysis reduces NAD+ to NADH; therefore, in embodiments wherein the GAPDH is NADH-producing, the LLDH is NADH-dependent.

Similarly, in embodiments wherein NADPH is the cofactor produced in glycolysis, the LLDH is NADPH-dependent. Kluyveromyces lactis and Clostridium acetobutylicum, for example, natively express NADP+ reducing GAPDH enzymes, thereby generating NADPH in glycolysis; thus, when engineering L-lactic acid production in these strain backgrounds, a NADPH-dependent LLDH used is NADPH-dependent. In other embodiments, the LLDH is engineered to preferentially utilize either NADH or NADPH as cofactors. In yet other embodiments, the LLDH is engineered to utilized both NADH and NADPH as cofactors.

A host cell can be engineered to produce a specific redox cofactor (NADH or NADPH) during glycolysis by changing the GAPDH enzyme expressed. Furthermore, both NADH and NADPH can be generated during glycolysis through concomitant expression of both NADH- and NADPH-dependent GAPDH enzymes. Lastly, NADPH and NADH can be interconverted through expression of a transhydrogenase that catalyzes the interconversion of NADPH and NADH.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding a LLDH wherein said recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding a LLDH wherein said recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one, more, or all of the LLDHs from a genera selected from Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Pediococcus. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one, more, or all of the LLDHs selected from Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus stearothermophylus, Bacillus Taurus, and Pediococcus acidilactici. In another embodiment, the LLDH is from Lactobacillus helveticus.

In many embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a prokaryotic source. In many embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a eukaryotic source. Any enzyme is suitable for use in accordance with this disclosure so long as the enzyme is capable of catalyzing said LLDH reaction.

In certain embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more of the aforementioned L-lactic acid pathway, wherein the heterologous nucleic acids are expressed in sufficient amounts to produce L-lactate. In various embodiments, recombinant host cells may comprise multiple copies of a single heterologous nucleic acid and/or multiple copies of two or more heterologous nucleic acids. Recombinant host cells comprising multiple heterologous nucleic acids may comprise any number of heterologous nucleic acids.

The present disclosure also provides consensus sequences useful in identifying and/or constructing the L-lactic acid pathway suitable for use in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, these consensus sequences comprise active site amino acid residues which may contribute to substrate recognition and reaction catalysis, as described below. Thus, an enzyme encompassed by a consensus sequence provided herein has an enzymatic activity that is identical, or essentially identical, or at least substantially similar with respect to ability to catalyze the reaction performed by one of the enzymes exemplified herein. For example, a LLDH encompassed by a LLDH consensus sequence provided herein has an enzymatic activity that is identical, or essentially identical, or at least substantially similar with respect to ability to convert one molecule of pyruvate and one molecule of reduced cofactor to one molecule of L-lactate and one molecule of oxidized cofactor (for example, NAD(P)+). As noted above, any protein substantially homologous to LLDH as described herein can be used in a host cell of the present disclosure. Further, any protein that shares the specific function of LLDH as described herein can be used in a host cell of the disclosure despite comprising insufficient sequence identity with the LLDH consensus sequence.

In many embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a bacterial source. In many of these embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a host cell belonging to a genus selected from the group comprising Aquifex, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Mycoplasma, Neisseria, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Pseudomonas, Rhodopseudomonas, Selenomonas, Sporolactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Thermodesulfatator, and Weisella.

In some embodiments, the LLDH is a Lactobacillus helveticus LLDH (aabv. LhLDH; UniProt ID: 032765; SEQ ID NO: 1) from Lactobacillus helveticus as shown below:

        10         20         30                 MAREEKPRKV ILVGDGAVGS TFAFSMVQQG         40         50         60 IAEELGIIDI AKEHVEGDAI DLADATPWTS         70         80         90 PKNIYAADYP DCKDADLVVI TAGAPQKPGE        100        110        120 TRLDLVNKNL KILSSIVEPV VESGFEGIFL        130        140        150 VVANPVDILT HATWRMSGFP KDRVIGSGTS        160        170        180 LDTGRLQKVI GKMENVDPSS VNAYMLGEHG        190        200        210 DTEFPAWSYN NVAGVKVADW VKAHNMPESK        220        230        240 LEDIHQEVKD MAYDIINKKG ATFYGIGTAS        250        260        270 AMIAKAILND EHRVLPLSVP MDGEYGLHDL        280        290        300 HIGTPAVVGR KGLEQVIEMP LSDKEQELMT        310        320 ASADQLKKVM DKAFKETGVK VRQ

In wild type LLDH, the residues GXGXXG, where X refers to any amino acid, followed by a negatively charged amino acid 20-22 residues downstream is conserved. With respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, the conserved residues are shown by underlines:

-   1-MAREEKPRKVILVGDGAVGSTFAFSMVQQGIAEELGIIDIAKEHVEGD. (SEQ ID NO: 1,     aa 1-48)

In certain embodiments, the LLDH provided and/or utilized herein is mutated as follows. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises changing D39 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (or another negatively charged residue such as D, which is 20-22 residues downstream from the conserved GXGXXG residue of another LLDH) to S/T/A/V/I/L/or M.

In some embodiments, the mutation comprises changing one or both of the two residues following the conserved D39 residue of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the mutation comprises changing one or both of the two residues following the conserved negatively charged residue, such as D, which negatively charged sequence is 20-22 residues downstream from the conserved GXGXXG residue of an LLDH.

In one embodiment, the mutation comprises changing 140 to R/H/S/T/A/V/K/L/or M of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the mutation comprises changing A41 to S/T/K/R/H/V/I/L/or M of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiment, the mutation comprises, the combination of two or more of D39 to S/T/A/V/I/L/or M; 140 to R/H/S/T/A/V/K/L/or M; and A41 to S/T/K/R/H/V/I/L/or M of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In one embodiment, the LLDH mutant comprises the mutation D to S, wherein the D is 20-22 residues downstream from the conserved GXGXXG residue of an LLDH. Methods of mutating a protein sequence are well known in the art and disclosed herein below. In certain embodiments, positions other than 39, 40, and 41 are conserved in the LLDH employed herein of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In one embodiment, the LLDH mutant comprises one or more of the mutations D39S, I40R, and A41T of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the LLDH mutant comprises the mutations D39S, I40R, and A41T of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the LLDH mutant comprises the mutation I40R of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment, the LLDH mutant comprises the mutations D39S of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the LLDH employed in accordance with the present disclosure demonstrate increased activity overall, and increased k_(cat) and/or decreased K_(m) for NAD(P)H. In certain embodiments, the LLDH employed in accordance with the present disclosure demonstrate increased k_(cat) and/or decreased K_(m) for NADH. Overexpressing these enzymes results in increased L-lactic acid production and decreased pyruvate accumulation.

In many embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding a LLDH wherein said recombinant host cells are capable of producing L-lactic acid. In various embodiments, proteins suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure have LLDH activity and comprise an amino acid sequence with at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

In many embodiments, the LLDH is derived from an archaeal source. In many of these embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a host cell belonging to a genus selected from the group comprising Aeropyrum.

In many embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a eukaryotic source. In many of these embodiments, the LLDH is derived from a host cell belonging to a genus selected from the group comprising Allomyces, Arabidopsis, Cardium, Haliotis, Helix, Limulus, Octopus, Phytophthora, Polysphondylium, Pythium, Rattus, and Saccharomyces.

Identifying and/or Improving L-Lactic Acid Pathway Enzymes

The following methods are useful as examples of methods for mutagenesis and diversification of genes for engineering specific or enhanced properties of targeted enzymes. Practitioners in the art will appreciate that the methods disclosed may be adapted as needed depending on the target enzyme properties desired. In some instances, the disclosed methods are suitable for use in engineering enzymes towards improved LLDH activity of the L-lactic acid pathway. In some embodiments, the LLDH is derived from an enzyme with native activity towards a substrate that is structurally similar to pyruvate.

Methods described herein comprise protein mutagenesis, identification, expression, purification, and characterization. Further, identification of mutated proteins can comprise activity screens and phenotypic selections.

Generating Protein Libraries Via Mutagenesis

Enzymes that are identified as good mutagenesis starting points enter the protein engineering cycle, which comprises protein mutagenesis, protein identification, protein expression, protein characterization, recombinant host cell characterization, and any combination thereof. Iterative rounds of protein engineering are typically performed to produce an enzyme variant with properties that are different from the template/original protein. Examples of enzyme characteristics that are improved and/or altered by protein engineering comprise, for example, substrate binding (K_(m); i.e., a measure of enzyme binding affinity for a particular substrate) that includes non-natural substrate selectivity/specificity; enzymatic reaction rates (k_(cat); the turnover rate of a particular enzyme-substrate complex into product and enzyme), to achieve desired pathway flux; temperature stability, for high temperature processing; pH stability, for processing in extreme pH ranges; substrate or product tolerance, to enable high product titers; removal of inhibition by products, substrates or intermediates; expression levels, to increase protein yields and overall pathway flux; oxygen stability, for operation of air sensitive enzymes under aerobic conditions; and anaerobic activity, for operation of an aerobic enzyme in the absence of oxygen. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant enables improved L-lactic acid pathway flux. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant enables increased L-lactate yield, titer and/or productivity. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant enables increased substrate specificity. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant displays improved kinetic properties, such as decreased K_(m) and/or increased k_(cat). In some embodiments, the enzyme variant has increased K_(m) and/or decreased k_(ca)t for the substrate pyruvate. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant has K_(m)<3 mM with pyruvate as substrate. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant has k_(cat)>10 turnovers per second with pyruvate as substrate. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant is a product of one or more protein engineering cycles. In some embodiments, the enzyme variant comprises one or more point mutations.

In general, random and rational mutagenesis approaches are acceptable methods for generating DNA libraries of mutant proteins. Error-prone PCR is a random mutagenesis method widely used for generating diversity in protein engineering, and error-prone PCR is not only fast and easy, but it is also a method that has successfully produced mutated enzymes with altered activity from a wild type DNA template. (Wilson, D. S. & Keefe, A. D. Random mutagenesis by PCR. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. Chapter 8, Unit 8.3 (2001), To help increase the odds of identifying an enzyme with 3-PG/2-PG phosphatase activity, rational mutagenesis of a small number of active site mutations is also useful. Structural modeling allows one to identify amino acids in the active site believed to be involved with substrate recognition. Other mutagenesis approaches that could be used comprise DNA shuffling and combinatorial mutagenesis. In some embodiments, the mutagenesis step is carried out more than once, resulting in iterative rounds of engineering.

Generating Strain Libraries Via Directed Evolution

In another aspect of this disclosure, directed evolution methods can be used to identify enzymes with LLDH activity and/or improved kinetic parameters (for example, decreasing the enzyme Km and/or increasing the enzyme kcat when using pyruvate as the substrate) of enzymes exhibiting suboptimal activity toward pyruvate. Directed evolution approaches are useful in generating strain libraries with a wide diversity of mutations wherein the mutations are driven by the process of natural selection given the constraints provided to the organism in its growth environment. Evolution approaches provide an effective and impartial way of introducing sequence mutations that give rise to functional change at an organism scale, enabling practitioners to explore non-intuitive mutations in the universe of possibilities that lie beyond the confines of one's understanding about structure-function specificity.

In some embodiments, a screen is designed to monitor the progress of evolution over time. In some of these embodiments, it is useful to link desired mutagenesis with a measurable phenotype so that the rate of evolution can be monitored over an extended period of time. In some of these embodiments, the measurable phenotype comprises cell growth, glucose consumption, and metabolite production. In some embodiments, the measurable phenotype is favored by a selection. In some embodiments, the directed evolution experiment is designed so that mutations acquired in the target gene(s) is a measurable phenotype that is advantageous to the organism. In some of these embodiments, the advantageous measurable phenotype comprises cellular fitness, energy production, growth rate, tolerance to toxicity, and tolerance to extreme culture conditions (such as high or low pH, high or low temperature, high or low osmotic pressure, drought, and nutrient limitation). In various embodiments, one or more synthetic metabolic pathways are constructed by introducing exogenous nucleic acids to recombinant host cells. In these embodiments, the one or more synthetic metabolic pathways provide a method of applying selective pressure or a method of selecting strain variants that result from directed evolution.

Besides a well-crafted screen and/or selection, before the evolution experiment begins, starting nucleic acid templates for proteins of interest (i.e., target gene(s) or parent gene(s)) can also be identified. In embodiments of the present disclosure, enzymes that serve as a good starting point for LLDH engineering are identified. In these embodiments, LLDH-encoding nucleic acids are integrated into the genome of recombinant host cells. In some embodiments, the LLDH is derived from an enzyme with native activity towards a substrate that is structurally similar to pyruvate.

Once a screen and/or selection is established and target genes (i.e., for LLDH according to embodiments of the present disclosure) are identified and integrated into the genome of recombinant host cells, recombinant host cells enter the directed evolution cycle, wherein the directed evolution cycle comprises: (1) mutagenesis in response to selective pressure; (2) analysis of recombinant host cells in the generated library for measurable phenotypic differences that arise due to selective pressure; and (3) isolation and characterization of evolved variants.

In some embodiments, acquisition of a mutation in the target gene enables the recombinant host cell to overcome the selective pressure. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells are passaged throughout the course of mutagenesis with selective pressure. In various embodiments, the selective pressure comprises nutrient limitation, cellular toxicity, and extreme culture conditions that further comprise high or low pH, high or low temperature, and high or low osmotic pressure. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cells are initially propagated without selective pressure prior to mutagenesis.

After exposure to selective pressure for some period of time, the evolved or evolving strains are screened for a change in phenotype in response to selective pressure. Non-limiting examples of phenotypic change include faster glucose consumption, faster cell growth, higher flux through a metabolic pathway or pathways, improved product yield/titer/productivity, decreased byproduct yield/titer, increased tolerance to toxicity, or increased tolerance to extreme culture conditions.

Enzyme Characterization

Protein variants that result from strain library generation and screening are integrated into the genome of recombinant host cells and resulting strain variants are analyzed for LLDH activity. In some embodiments, iterative rounds of protein engineering are performed to produce enzyme variants with optimized properties, wherein the iterative rounds of protein engineering comprise rational mutagenesis, random mutagenesis, and directed evolution. In these embodiments, select variants from preceding rounds of protein engineering are identified for further protein engineering. Non-limiting examples of such properties comprise improved enzyme kinetics for specificity and/or turnover, improved pathway flux, increased metabolite yield, decreased byproduct yield. In some embodiments, culture medium or fermentation broth is analyzed for the presence of metabolites such as L-lactic acid and/or byproducts, wherein the method of analysis is HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography).

Ancillary Proteins

In addition to the L-lactic acid pathway enzymes, ancillary proteins are other proteins that are overexpressed in recombinant host cells of the present disclosure whose overexpression results in an increase in L-lactic acid as compared to control, or host cells that do not overexpress said proteins. Ancillary proteins function outside the L-lactic acid pathway, wherein each ancillary protein plays a role that indirectly boosts the recombinant host cell's ability to produce L-lactic acid. Ancillary proteins comprise any protein (excluding L-lactic acid pathway enzymes) of any structure or function that can increase L-lactic acid yields, titers, or productivities when overexpressed. Non-limiting examples of classes of proteins include transcription factors, transporters, scaffold proteins, proteins that decrease byproduct accumulation, and proteins that regenerate or synthesize redox cofactors.

Provided herein in certain embodiments are recombinant host cells comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary proteins wherein said recombinant host cell is capable of producing higher L-lactic acid yields, titers, or productivities as compared to control cells, or host cells that do not comprise said heterologous nucleic acid(s). In some embodiments, that host recombinant cell naturally produces L-lactic acid, and in these cases, the L-lactic acid yields, titers, and/or productivities are increased. In other embodiments, the recombinant host cell does not naturally produce L-lactic acid and thus comprises one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes and one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary proteins. In certain of these embodiments, the recombinant host cells may be engineered to express more of these ancillary proteins. In these particular embodiments, the ancillary proteins are expressed at a higher level (i.e., produced at a higher amount as compared to cells that do not express said ancillary proteins) and may be operatively linked to one or more exogenous promoters or other regulatory elements.

In certain embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise both endogenous and heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes and one or more ancillary proteins. In certain embodiments, the recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes and/or one or more ancillary proteins, and one or more endogenous nucleic acids encoding one or more L-lactic acid pathway enzymes and/or one or more ancillary proteins.

In certain embodiments, endogenous nucleic acids of ancillary proteins are modified in situ (i.e., on chromosome in the host cell genome) to alter levels of expression, activity, or specificity. In some embodiments, heterologous nucleic acids are inserted into endogenous nucleic acids of ancillary proteins.

Ancillary proteins comprise proteins that recycle the redox cofactors that are produced during L-lactic acid pathway activity. Redox balance is fundamental to sustained metabolism and cellular growth in living organisms. Intracellular redox potential is determined by redox cofactors that facilitate the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another within a cell. Redox cofactors in yeast comprise the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides, NAD and NADP, the flavin nucleotides, FAD and FMN, and iron sulfur clusters (Fe—S clusters).

Redox constraints play a role in end-product formation. Additional reducing power will typically be provided to produce compounds whose degree of reduction is higher than that of the substrate. Conversely, producing compounds with a degree of reduction lower than that of the substrate will force the synthesis of byproducts with higher degrees of reduction to compensate for excess reducing power generated from substrate oxidation. Thus, maintaining redox neutrality may ensure high end-product yields. For example, the L-lactic acid pathway is redox balanced and there is no net formation of NAD(P)+ or NAD(P)H for each mol of glucose converted to L-lactic acid in the cytosol.

The NAD and NADP cofactors are involved in electron transfer and contribute to about 12% of all biochemical reactions in a cell (Osterman A., EcoSal Plus, 2009). NAD is assembled from L-aspartate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP; glycerone), phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) and ATP. The NADP is assembled in the same manner and further phosphorylated. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise heterologous and/or endogenous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary proteins facilitate NAD and NADP cofactor assembly. In some embodiments, the ancillary proteins comprise one, more or all proteins suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure having NAD and/or NADP assembly capability, NAD and/or NADP transfer capability, NAD and/or NADP chaperone capability, or any combination thereof.

Similarly, Fe—S clusters facilitate various enzyme activities involved with electron transfer. Because both iron and sulfur atoms are highly reactive and toxic to cells, Fe—S cluster assembly uses carefully coordinated synthetic pathways in living cells. The three known pathways are the Isc (iron sulfur cluster) system, the Suf (sulfur formation) system, and the Nif (nitrogen fixation) system. Each of these systems has a physiological role, yet several functional components are shared between them. First, a cysteine desulfurase enzyme liberates sulfur atoms from free cysteine. Then, a scaffold protein receives the liberated sulfur for Fe—S cluster assembly. Finally, the Fe—S cluster is transferred to a target apoprotein. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise heterologous and/or endogenous nucleic acids encoding one or more ancillary proteins that facilitate Fe—S cluster assembly. In some embodiments, the ancillary proteins comprise one, more or all proteins of the Isc system, the Suf system, the Nif system, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure having cysteine desulfurase activity, Fe—S cluster assembly capability, Fe—S cluster transfer capability, iron chaperone capability, or any combination thereof.

Another class of ancillary proteins useful for increasing L-lactic acid yields, titers, and/or productivities are organic acid transporter proteins. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous and/or endogenous nucleic acids encoding one or more organic acid transporter proteins. In many embodiments, the organic acid transporter is derived from a fungal source. In some embodiments, the organic acid transporter is selected from the group comprising Saccharomyces cerevisiae PDR12 (abbv. ScPDR12; UniProt ID: Q02785; SEQ ID NO: 2), Saccharomyces cerevisiae WAR1 (abbv. ScWAR1; UniProt ID: Q03631; SEQ ID NO: 3), Schizosaccharomyces pombe MAE1 (abbv. SpMAE1; UniProt ID; P50537; SEQ ID NO: 4), and Kluyveromyces marxianus PDC12 (abbv. KmPDC12; UniProt ID: W0T9C6; SEQ ID NO: 5). In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins suitable for use in accordance with methods of the present disclosure have L-lactic acid transporter activity. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins that comprise an amino acid sequence with at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% sequence identity with ScPDR12 (SEQ ID NO: 2), ScWAR1 (SEQ ID NO: 3), SpMAE1 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or KmPDC12 (SEQ ID NO: 5).

Decreasing or Eliminating Expression of Byproduct Pathway Enzymes

In an additional aspect of this disclosure, nucleic acids encoding byproduct pathway enzymes can be disrupted in recombinant host cells of the present disclosure to increase L-lactic acid yields, productivities, and/or titers; and/or to decrease byproduct titers and/or yields as compared to control cells, or host cells that express native/undisrupted levels of said byproduct pathway enzymes. Byproduct pathway enzymes comprise any protein (excluding L-lactic acid pathway enzymes) of any structure or function that can increase L-lactic acid product yields, titers, and/or productivities when disrupted because they utilize intermediates or products of the L-lactic acid pathway. In addition, byproduct pathway enzymes also comprise any protein (excluding L-lactic acid pathway enzymes) of any structure or function that can decrease undesired byproduct yields, titers, and/or productivities when disrupted because they utilize intermediates or products of the L-lactic acid pathway.

Byproducts that accumulate during L-lactic acid production can lead to: (1) lower L-lactic acid titers, productivities, and/or yields; and/or (2) accumulation of byproducts in the fermentation broth that increase the difficulty of downstream purification processes. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells may comprise genetic disruptions that encompass alterations, deletions, knockouts, substitutions, promoter modifications, premature stop codons, or knock-downs that decrease byproduct accumulation. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprising a disruption of one or more genes encoding a byproduct pathway enzyme will have altered performance characteristics as compared to cells without said genetic disruption(s), such as decreased or eliminated byproduct pathway enzyme expression, decreased or eliminated byproduct accumulation, improved L-lactic acid activity, altered metabolite flux through the L-lactic acid pathway, higher L-lactic acid titers, productivities, yields, and/or altered cellular fitness.

Decreasing byproduct formation can increase L-lactic acid activity, resulting in an increased amount of L-lactic acid produced. In many embodiments, recombinant host cells of the present disclosure comprising one or more genetic disruptions of one or more genes encoding a byproduct pathway enzyme produce an increased L-lactic acid titer as compared to host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption(s). In some of these embodiments, the L-lactic acid titer in the fermentation broth is increased by 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L, 7.5 g/L, 10 g/L, or more than 10 g/L.

In addition to increasing L-lactic acid titers, decreasing byproduct formation can also help increase L-lactic acid yields. Because yield is independent of the volume of the fermentation broth, which can change during the course of a fermentation, it is often advantageous to measure L-lactic acid yields. In many embodiments, recombinant host cells of the present disclosure comprising one or more genetic disruptions of one or more genes encoding byproduct pathway enzymes produce an increased L-lactic acid yield as compared to host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption. In some of these embodiments, the L-lactic acid yield is increased by 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, or more than 10% (g L-lactic acid/g substrate). The substrate in this yield calculation is the fermentation substrate, which is typically glucose, but may also be other, non-glucose substrates (for example, sucrose, glycerol, or pyruvate).

Increasing L-lactic acid can decrease manufacturing costs and can further work to disrupt genes encoding byproduct pathway enzymes in order to decrease byproduct formation. Byproducts are typically unwanted chemicals, are disposed of as waste, and their disposal can involve elaborate processing steps and containment requirements. Therefore, decreasing byproduct formation can also lower production costs. In many embodiments, recombinant host cells of the present disclosure comprising one or more genetic disruptions of one or more genes encoding a byproduct pathway enzyme produces a lower byproduct titer as compared to host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption. In some of these embodiments, a recombinant host cell of the disclosure comprising genetic disruption of one or more byproduct pathway enzymes produces a byproduct titer that is 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L, 7.5 g/L, 10 g/L, or greater than 10 g/L less than host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption.

In many embodiments, recombinant host cells of the present disclosure comprising one or more genetic disruptions of one or more genes encoding a byproduct pathway enzyme produces a lower byproduct yield as compared to host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption(s). In some of these embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise genetic disruption of one or more genes encoding byproduct pathway enzymes produce a byproduct yield that is 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, or greater than 10% (g byproduct/g substrate) less than host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption. As with the L-lactic acid yield calculation, the substrate used in the byproduct yield calculation is the carbon source provided to the fermentation; this is typically glucose, sucrose, or glycerol, but may be any carbon substrate.

Non-limiting examples of byproducts that arise due to consumption of an L-lactic acid pathway or a downstream pathway substrate, intermediate or product include acetaldehyde, acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate. In the event of a redox imbalance, an undesirable excess of reduced or oxidized cofactors may also accumulate; thus, the redox cofactors NADH, NAD+, NADPH and NADP+ can also be considered byproducts.

A non-limiting list of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that utilize the L-lactic acid pathway substrate (i.e., pyruvate) are found in Table 1. Decreasing or eliminating expression of one, some or all of the genes encoding the enzymes in Table 1 can increase L-lactic acid production and/or decrease byproduct production. In many cases, the product of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions provided in Table 1 can accumulate in the fermentation broth; in such cases, this indicates that expression of the native gene encoding the listed enzyme should be reduced or eliminated. For example, the occurrence of acetaldehyde in the fermentation broth indicates that expression of a native gene encoding pyruvate decarboxylase should be decreased or eliminated. In some cases, the product of the specific reaction listed in Table 1 is further converted, either spontaneously or through the action of other enzymes, into a byproduct that accumulates in the fermentation broth. In cases where byproduct accumulation is due to the activity of multiple enzymes, one or more of the genes encoding the one or more byproduct pathway enzymes can be deleted or disrupted to reduce byproduct formation.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise microbial strains with decreased or eliminated expression of one, some or all of the genes encoding enzymes listed in Table 1. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise microbial strains with decreased byproduct accumulation wherein the byproducts are formed through the activity of one, some or all of the enzymes listed in Table 1. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise microbial strains with decreased expression of pyruvate-utilizing enzymes. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise microbial strains with decreased expression of L-lactic acid-utilizing enzymes. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise microbial strains with inability to catabolize or breakdown L-lactic acid and/or L-lactic acid.

TABLE 1 Enzyme-catalyzed reactions that consume a substrate, intermediate or product of glycolysis or the L-lactic acid pathway. Substrate EC # Enzyme name Reaction Pyruvate 4.1.1.1 Pyruvate Pyruvate + H⁺ = Acetaldehyde + decarboxylase CO₂ Pyruvate n/a Pyruvate Pyruvate + CoA + Oxidized dehydrogenase cofactor = Acetyl-CoA + complex CO₂ + Reduced cofactor Pyruvate 6.4.1.1 Pyruvate Pyruvate + HCO₃ ⁻ + carboxylase ATP = Oxaloacetate + ADP + Phosphate + H⁺

Decreasing or Eliminating Expression of Certain Enzymes

Pyruvate decarboxylase catalyzes the irreversible/unidirectional conversion of one molecule of pyruvate to one molecule of acetaldehyde and one molecule of CO₂. Pyruvate decarboxylase activity can lead to the formation of at least three undesirable pyruvate decarboxylase-based byproducts: acetaldehyde, acetate, and ethanol. There are at least 3 pyruvate decarboxylase homologs in P. kudriavzevii: PkPDC1 (SEQ ID NO: 6), PkPDC5 (SEQ ID NO: 7) and PkPDC6 (SEQ ID NO: 8); decreasing or eliminating expression of one or more of these homologs is useful for increasing L-lactic acid production and/or decreasing accumulation of pyruvate decarboxylase-based byproducts. As described above, homologous proteins share substantial sequence identity with each other. Any protein that is homologous to one, more, or all of the pyruvate decarboxylases of the present disclosure (SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7 and 8) will share substantial sequence identity one or more of these proteins.

In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise genetic disruptions in one or more pyruvate decarboxylase homologs. As defined above, genetic disruptions encompass nucleic acid deletions, nucleic acid insertions, nucleic acid substitutions, nucleic acid mutations, premature stop codons and promoter modifications. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells of the present disclosure comprise a genetic disruption of a homologous pyruvate decarboxylase gene with at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or more than 95% homology when compared to PkPDC1 (SEQ ID NO: 6), PkPDC5 (SEQ ID NO: 7) or PkPDC6 (SEQ ID NO: 8). In some of these embodiments, the recombinant host cell is a P. kudriavzevii strain. In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more gene disruptions that produce altered, decreased or eliminated activity in one, two or all three, pyruvate decarboxylase proteins. In some of these other embodiments, the recombinant host cell is a P. kudriavzevii strain.

In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding L-lactic pathway enzymes, and further comprise one or more genetic disruptions of one, more, or all of the pyruvate decarboxylase homologs. In certain embodiments, acetaldehyde byproduct titer (i.e., g of byproduct/liter of fermentation volume) at the end of fermentation is 10 g/L or less, 5 g/L or less, or 2.5 g/L or less. In certain embodiments, acetaldehyde byproduct yield (i.e., percentage of g of byproduct/g of substrate) at the end of fermentation is 10% or less, 5% or less, 2.5% or less, or 1% or less. In certain embodiments, acetate byproduct titer at the end of fermentation is 10 g/L or less, 5 g/L or less, or 2.5 g/L or less. In certain embodiments, acetate byproduct yield at the end of fermentation is 10% or less, 5% or less, 2.5% or less, or 1% or less. In some embodiments, ethanol byproduct titer at the end of a fermentation is 10 g/L or less, 5 g/L or less, or 2.5 g/L or less. In certain embodiments, ethanol byproduct yield at the end of fermentation is 10% or less, 5% or less, 2.5% or less, or 1% or less.

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex catalyzes the conversion of one molecule of pyruvate, one molecule of coenzyme A and one molecule of NAD+ to one molecule of acetyl-CoA, one molecule of CO₂ and one molecule of NADH; in wild type P. kudriavzevii, this enzyme is localized in the mitochondria. In most native microbes, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is used for aerobic metabolism of pyruvate to CO₂ through the activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. Genetic disruption of one or more genes encoding a protein subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex can decrease pyruvate dehydrogenase complex protein activity or expression, consequently increasing L-lactic acid production and/or decreasing CO₂ byproduct formation. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise decreased or eliminated expression and/or activity of one or more pyruvate dehydrogenase complex proteins. In some of these embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise decreased or eliminated expression and/or activity of the E1 a-subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (abbv. PkPDA1; SEQ ID NO: 9). In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins that comprise an amino acid sequence with at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cell is a P. kudriavzevii strain.

In many embodiments, wherein recombinant host cells comprise an L-lactic acid pathway and genetic disruption(s) that decrease or eliminate expression and/or activity of one or more pyruvate dehydrogenase complex proteins, the L-lactic acid titer and/or yield is higher as compared to recombinant host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption(s). In some of these embodiments, said recombinant host cells produce less carbon dioxide as compared to recombinant host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption(s). In some of these embodiments, the recombinant host cell's carbon dioxide yield (i.e., g-carbon dioxide/g-glucose consumed) is lower as compared to recombinant host cells that do not comprise said genetic disruption(s).

Additional byproducts can arise from intermediates in glycolysis. Glycerol is a common byproduct that occurs under conditions of excess NADH. NAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) catalyzes the conversion of one molecule of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP; glycerone phosphate) and one molecule of NAD(P)H to one molecule of glycerol 3-phosphate and one molecule of NAD(P)+, leading to the formation of the undesired byproduct glycerol. In P. kudriavzevii, NAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is the Gpd1 protein (abbv. PkGPD1; SEQ ID NO: 10).

Decreasing or eliminating the expression of PkGPD1 or its homologs can be useful for decreasing glycerol byproduct accumulation. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, recombinant host cells comprise one or more genetic disruptions in one or more nucleic acids encoding a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase that gives rise to decreased, altered or eliminated expression and/or protein activity. In embodiments where the recombinant host cell is a P. kudriavzevii strain, the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is PkGPD1.

In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding L-lactic acid pathway enzymes, and further comprise one or more genetic disruptions in PkGPD1 (SEQ ID NO: 10), or in one, more, or all PkGPD1 homologs wherein several amino acids in the PkGPD1 homologs are conserved. In certain embodiments, glycerol byproduct titer at the end of fermentation is at a titer of 10 g/L or less, 5 g/L or less, or 2.5 g/L or less. In certain embodiments, glycerol byproduct yield at the end of fermentation is 10% or less, 5% or less, 2.5% or less, or 1% or less.

The LLDH of the L-lactic acid pathway catalyzes the conversion of one molecule of pyruvate and one molecule of NAD(P)H to one molecule of L-lactic acid and one molecule of NAD(P)+. In order to ensure NAD(P)H availability does not become a limiting factor in this reaction, host cell endogenous proteins with NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity are decreased or eliminated in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

NAD(P)H dehydrogenases belong to the enzyme family of oxidoreductases that work with other electron acceptors to catalyze the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another. NAD(P)H dehydrogenases typically function in the shuttling of electrons from the cytosol to the electron transport chain where they are used to generate ATP and water from O₂. NADH dehydrogenases utilize the NADH cofactor while NADPH dehydrogenases utilize the NADPH cofactor. NAD(P)H dehydrogenases typically have specificity to either NADH or NADPH, although it is possible for some engineered as well as natural NAD(P)H dehydrogenases to be able to bind either cofactor with varying affinities and utilize either cofactor with varying catalytic efficiencies.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it may be desirable to decrease or eliminate host cell endogenous NAD(P)H dehydrogenase expression so that the L-lactic acid pathway is not limited by the availability of NAD(P)H cofactor. Decreasing or eliminating expression of one or more homologs of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase is useful for increasing L-lactic acid production. In embodiments where the LLDH utilizes the NADH cofactor, the expression of more host cell endogenous NADH dehydrogenase enzymes is decreased or eliminated. In embodiments where the LLDH utilizes the NADPH cofactor, the expression of one or more host cell endogenous NADPH dehydrogenase enzymes is decreased or eliminated. In some embodiments, the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase is the mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase. In some embodiments, the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase is the P. kudriavzevii Nde1 protein (abbv. PkNDE1; SEQ ID NO: 11). In some embodiments, recombinant host cells comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins that comprise an amino acid sequence with at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 11. In embodiments wherein the recombinant host cells comprise an L-lactic acid pathway and a decrease or elimination of one or more copies of host cell endogenous NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, the recombinant host cells further comprise increased L-lactic acid titer, L-lactic acid yield, and/or L-lactic acid productivity.

Genetic Engineering

Expression of L-lactic acid pathway enzymes is achieved by transforming host cells with exogenous nucleic acids encoding L-lactic acid pathway enzymes, producing recombinant host cells of the present disclosure. The same is true for expression of ancillary proteins. Any method can be used to introduce exogenous nucleic acids into a host cell to produce a recombinant host cell of the present disclosure. Many such methods are known to practitioners in the art. Some examples comprise electroporation, chemical transformation, and conjugation. Some examples comprise electroporation, chemical transformation, and conjugation. After exogenous nucleic acids enter the host cell, nucleic acids may integrate in to the cell genome via homologous recombination.

Recombinant host cells of the present disclosure may comprise one or more exogenous nucleic acid molecules/elements, as well as single or multiple copies of a particular exogenous nucleic acid molecule/element as described herein. These molecules/elements comprise transcriptional promoters, transcriptional terminators, protein coding regions, open reading frames, regulatory sites, flanking sequences for homologous recombination, and intergenic sequences.

Exogenous nucleic acids can be maintained by recombinant host cells in various ways. In some embodiments, exogenous nucleic acids are integrated into the host cell genome. In other embodiments, exogenous nucleic acids are maintained in an episomal state that can be propagated, either stably or transiently, to daughter cells. Exogenous nucleic acids may comprise selectable markers to ensure propagation. In some embodiments, the exogenous nucleic acids are maintained in recombinant host cells with selectable markers. In some embodiments, the selectable markers are removed and exogenous nucleic acids are maintained in a recombinant host cell strain without selection. In some embodiments, removal of selectable markers is advantageous for downstream processing and purification of the fermentation product.

In some embodiments, endogenous nucleic acids (i.e., genomic or chromosomal elements of a host cell), are genetically disrupted to alter, mutate, modify, modulate, disrupt, enhance, remove, or inactivate a gene product. In some embodiments, genetic disruptions alter expression or activity of proteins native to a host cell. In some embodiments, genetic disruptions circumvent unwanted byproduct formation or byproduct accumulation. Genetic disruptions occur according to the principle of homologous recombination via methods well known in the art. Disrupted endogenous nucleic acids can comprise open reading frames as well as genetic material that is not translated into protein. In some embodiments, one or more marker genes replace deleted genes by homologous recombination. In some of these embodiments, the one or more marker genes are later removed from the chromosome using techniques known to practitioners in the art.

Producing L-Lactic Acid and L-Lactate Salts with Recombinant Host Cells

Methods are provided herein for producing L-lactic acid or L-lactate salts from recombinant host cells of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (1) culturing recombinant host cells as provided by the present disclosure in a fermentation broth containing at least one carbon source and one nitrogen source under conditions such that L-lactic acid or L-lactate is produced; and (2) recovering the L-lactate, L-lactic acid or L-lactate salt from the fermentation broth. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid is first converted to an L-lactate salt before the L-lactate salt is recovered from the fermentation broth. In some embodiments, the L-lactate acid or L-lactate salt is first converted to a downstream product before the downstream product is recovered from the fermentation broth.

Any of the recombinant host cells of the present disclosure can be cultured to produce and/or secrete L-lactate (i.e., L-lactic acid and L-lactate salt). As disclosed herein, the L-lactate can then be esterified and distilled to generate a purified ester.

Materials and methods for the maintenance and growth of microbes, as well as fermentation conditions, are well known to practitioners of ordinary skill in the art. It is understood that consideration will typically be given to appropriate culture medium, pH, temperature, revival of frozen stocks, growth of seed cultures and seed trains, and requirements for aerobic, microaerobic, or anaerobic conditions, depending on the specific requirements of the host cells, the fermentation, and process flows.

The methods of producing L-lactate provided herein may be performed in a suitable fermentation broth in a suitable bioreactor such as a fermentation vessel, including but not limited to a culture plate, a flask, or a fermenter. Further, the methods can be performed at any scale of fermentation known to support microbial production of small-molecules on an industrial scale. Any suitable fermenter may be used including a stirred tank fermenter, an airlift fermenter, a bubble column fermenter, a fixed bed bioreactor, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fermentation broth is any fermentation broth in which a recombinant host cell capable of producing L-lactate according to the present disclosure, and can subsist (i.e., maintain growth, viability, and/or catabolize glucose or other carbon source). In some embodiments, the fermentation broth is an aqueous medium comprising assimilable carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate sources. Such a medium can also comprise appropriate salts, minerals, metals, and other nutrients. In some embodiments, the carbon source and each of the essential cell nutrients are provided to the fermentation broth incrementally or continuously, and each essential cell nutrient is maintained at essentially the minimum level for efficient assimilation by growing cells. For example, cell growth procedures comprise batch fermentation, fed-batch fermentation with batch separation, fed-batch fermentation with continuous separation, and continuous fermentation with continuous separation. These procedures are well known to practitioners of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handling and culturing of recombinant host cells to produce L-lactate may be divided up into phases, such as growth phase, production phase, and/or recovery phase. The following paragraphs provide examples of features or purposes that may relate to these different phases. These features or purposes may vary based on the recombinant host cells used, the desired L-lactate yield, titer, and/or productivity, or other factors. While it may be beneficial in some embodiments for the L-lactic acid pathway enzymes, ancillary proteins and/or endogenous host cell proteins to be constitutively expressed, other embodiments may comprise selective expression or repression of any or all of the aforementioned proteins.

During growth phase, recombinant host cells may be cultured to focus on growing cell biomass by utilizing the carbon source provided. In some embodiments, expression of L-lactic acid pathway enzymes and/or ancillary proteins are repressed or uninduced. In some embodiments, no appreciable amount of L-lactate is made. In some embodiments, proteins that contribute to cell growth and/or cellular processes may be selectively expressed.

During production phase, however, recombinant host cells may be cultured to stop producing cell biomass and to focus on L-lactate biosynthesis by utilizing the carbon source provided. In some embodiments, L-lactic acid pathway enzymes, and/or ancillary proteins may be selectively expressed during production to generate high product titers, yields and productivities. The production phase is synonymous with fermentation, fermentation run or fermentation phase.

In some embodiments, the growth and production phases take place at the same time. In other embodiments, the growth and production phases are separate. While in some embodiments, product is made exclusively during production phase, in other embodiments some product is made during growth phase before production phase begins.

The recovery phase marks the end of the production phase, during which cellular biomass is separated from fermentation broth and L-lactate is purified from fermentation broth. In some fermentation process, for example, fill-draw and continuous fermentations, there may be multiple recovery phases where fermentation broth containing biomass and L-lactic acid are removed from the fermentation system. The draws of fermentation broth may be processed independently or may be stored, pooled, and processed together. In other fermentation processes, for example, batch and fed-batch fermentations, there may only be a single recovery phase.

Fermentation procedures are particularly useful for the biosynthetic production of commercial L-lactate. Fermentation procedures can be scaled up for manufacturing L-lactate and fermentation procedures comprise, for example, fed-batch fermentation and batch product separation; fed-batch fermentation and continuous product separation; batch fermentation and batch product separation; and continuous fermentation and continuous product separation.

The carbon source provided to the fermentation can be any carbon source that can be fermented by recombinant host cells. Suitable carbon sources include, but are not limited to, monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, glycerol, acetate, ethanol, methanol, methane, or one or more combinations thereof. Monosaccharides suitable for use in accordance to the methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, dextrose (glucose), fructose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, and any combination thereof. Disaccharides suitable for use in accordance to the methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, cellobiose, and any combination thereof. Polysaccharides suitable for use in accordance to the methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, starch, glycogen, cellulose, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon source is dextrose. In other embodiments, the carbon source is sucrose. In some embodiments, mixtures of some or all the aforementioned carbon sources can be used in fermentation.

The pH of the fermentation broth can be controlled by the addition of acid or base to the culture medium. In some embodiments, fermentation pH is controlled at the beginning of fermentation and then allowed to drop as L-lactic acid accumulates in the broth, minimizing the amount of base added to the fermentation (thereby improving process economics) as well as minimizing the amount of salt formed. Specifically, the pH during fermentation is maintained in the range of 2-8. At the end of fermentation, the final pH is in the range of 2-5. Non-limiting examples of suitable acids used to control fermentation pH include aspartic acid, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid. Non-limiting examples of suitable bases used to control fermentation pH include sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃), potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, and diammonium phosphate. In some embodiments, a concentrated acid or concentrated base is used to limit dilution of the fermentation broth.

Base cations and L-lactate anions react to form ionic compounds in fermentation broths. For example, base Na⁺ cations and L-lactate anions react to form sodium L-lactate. In some embodiments, the ionic compounds formed by base cations and L-lactate anions are soluble in fermentation broth. In other embodiments, the ionic compounds formed by base cations and L-lactate anions are insoluble salts and may crystallize in the fermentation broth.

The temperature of the fermentation broth can be any temperature suitable for growth of the recombinant host cells and/or production of L-lactic acid. In some embodiments, during L-lactic acid production, the fermentation broth is maintained within a temperature range of from about 20° C. to about 45° C., or in the range of from about 30° C. to about 42° C.

The present disclosure provides methods to achieve high L-lactic acid yields, titers, and productivities under aerobic conditions. Typically, lactic acid can be efficiently produced under anaerobic or microaerobic fermentation conditions. Under aerobic conditions, microbes will commonly use molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor to reoxidize NAD(P)H cofactors in the electron transport chain of the mitochondria, generating ATP useful for growth and maintenance of cellular functions. In the absence of oxygen, microbes can only reoxidize the NAD(P)H resulting from glycolysis through the activity of product pathways that are redox balanced, one of which is production of L-lactic acid from glucose. There are several downsides to anaerobic (or oxygen limited) production of lactic acid. First, glucose consumption rates are lower, leading to lower fermentation productivities. Second, insufficient ATP is generated to concomitantly maintain cellular activities, export lactic acid, support high lactic acid titers, and support pathway activity under low pH fermentation conditions. Thus, it would be advantageous to produce lactic acid under aerobic conditions where the ATP generated from aerobic respiration can be used to increase fermentation metrics. For example, aerobically generated ATP can be used by the cell to tolerate higher L-lactic acid titers and lower fermentation pH ranges, which translate to achieving higher L-lactic acid yields, titers, and/or productivities as compared to anaerobic or oxygen-limited fermentations.

As described previously, the L-lactic acid pathway is redox balanced (i.e., conversion of glucose to L-lactic acid results in no net NAD(P)H). Thus, in recombinant host cells comprising deletion or disruption of the external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase responsible for passing electrons from cytosolic NAD(P)H into the electron transport chain, and expression of a LLDH in the cytosol, the primary route for the cell to reoxidize cytosolic NAD(P)H is through lactic acid production. Additional genetic modifications can be introduced into recombinant host cells to modulate the flux of TCA cycle substrates (typically pyruvate) into the mitochondria, where the TCA cycle substrates are aerobically respired to carbon dioxide along with concomitant generation of NADH (and potentially other redox cofactors) through the activity of the electron transport chain. Thus, by controlling the flux of TCA cycle substrates into the mitochondria, the amount of glucose aerobically respired to carbon dioxide can be controlled such that sufficient ATP is generated to support high lactic acid titers and/or productivities without detracting from lactic acid yields from glucose.

During cultivation, aeration and agitation conditions are selected to produce an oxygen transfer rate (OTR; rate of dissolution of dissolved oxygen in a fermentation medium) that results in high L-lactic acid titers at low final fermentation pH values. In various embodiments, fermentation conditions are selected to produce an OTR of greater than 5 mmol/L/hr. In some embodiments, fermentation conditions are selected to produce an OTR of greater than 10 mmol/L/hr, 20 mmol/L/hr, 30 mmol/L/hr, 40 mmol/L/hr, 50 mmol/L/hr, 75 mmol/L/hr, 100 mmol/L/hr, 125 mmol/L/hr, 150 mmol/L/hr, 175 mmol/L/hr, or 200 mmol/L/hr. OTR as used herein refers to the volumetric rate at which oxygen is consumed during the fermentation. Inlet and outlet oxygen concentrations can be measured by exhaust gas analysis, for example by mass spectrometers. OTR can be calculated using the Direct Method described in Bioreaction Engineering Principles 3rd Edition, 2011, Spring Science+Business Media, p. 449. The recombinant host cells of the present disclosure are able to produce L-lactic acid under a wide range of oxygen concentrations.

A high yield of L-lactate from the provided carbon source(s) is desirable to decrease the production cost. As used herein, yield is calculated as the percentage of the mass of carbon source catabolized by recombinant host cells of the present disclosure and used to produce L-lactate. In some cases, only a fraction of the carbon source provided to a fermentation is catabolized by the cells, and the remainder is found unconsumed in the fermentation broth or is consumed by contaminating microbes in the fermentation. Thus, it is important to ensure that fermentation is both substantially pure of contaminating microbes and that the concentration of unconsumed carbon source at the completion of the fermentation is measured. For example, if 100 grams of glucose is fed into the fermentation, and at the end of the fermentation 25 grams of L-lactic acid are produced and there remains 10 grams of glucose, the L-lactate yield is 27.7% (i.e., 25 grams L-lactate from 90 grams glucose). In certain embodiments of the methods provided herein, the final yield of L-lactic acid on the carbon source is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or greater than 80%. In certain embodiments, the recombinant host cells provided herein are capable of producing at least 70%, at least 75%, or greater than 80% by weight of carbon source to L-lactate. When an L-lactate salt is found in the fermentation broth, the L-lactic acid yield can be determined by calculating the mols of L-lactate salt present and adjusting for the molecular weight difference between the L-lactate salt and L-lactic acid.

In addition to yield, the titer (or concentration), of L-lactate produced in the fermentation is another useful metric for production. Generally speaking, titer is provided as grams of product (for example, L-lactate) per liter of fermentation broth (i.e., g/L). In some embodiments, the lactic acid titer is at least 1 g/L, at least 5 g/L, at least 10 g/L, at least 15 g/L, at least 20 g/L, at least 25 g/L, at least 30 g/L, at least 40 g/L, at least 50 g/L, at least 60 g/L, at least 70 g/L, at least 80 g/L, at least 90 g/L, at least 100 g/L, at least 125 g/L, at least 150 g/L, or greater than 150 g/L at some point during the fermentation, or at the conclusion of the fermentation. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid titer at the conclusion of the fermentation is greater than 100 g/L. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid titer at the conclusion of the fermentation is greater than 125 g/L. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid titer at the conclusion of the fermentation is greater than 150 g/L. As with yield calculations, a L-lactic acid titer can be calculated from the L-lactate salt titer by adjusting for molecular weight differences between the L-lactate salt and L-lactic acid.

Further, productivity, or the rate of product (i.e., L-lactate) formation, is useful for decreasing production cost. Generally speaking, productivity is provided as grams product produced per liter of fermentation broth per hour (i.e., g/L/hr). In some embodiments, L-lactic acid productivity is at least 0.1 g/L/hr, at least 0.25 g/L/hr, at least 0.5 g/L/hr, at least 0.75 g/L/hr, at least 1.0 g/L/hr, at least 1.25 g/L/hr, at least 1.25 g/L/hr, at least 1.5 g/L/hr, at least 2.0 g/L/hr, at least 3.0 g/L/hr, at least 4.0 g/L/hr, at least 5.0 g/L/hr, at least 6.0 g/L/hr or greater than 6.0 g/L/hr over some time period during the fermentation. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid productivity is at least 3 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid productivity is at least 4 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the L-lactic acid productivity is at least 5 g/L/hr.

HPLC is an appropriate method to determine the amount of L-lactate and/or produced, the amount of any byproducts produced (for example, organic acids and alcohols), the amount of any pathway metabolite or intermediate produced, and the amount of unconsumed glucose left in the fermentation broth. Aliquots of fermentation broth can be isolated for analysis at any time during fermentation, as well as at the end of fermentation. Briefly, molecules in the fermentation broth are first separated by liquid chromatography (LC); then, specific liquid fractions are selected for analysis using an appropriate method of detection (for example, UV-VIS, refractive index, and/or photodiode array detectors). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an organic acid salt (for example, L-lactate) is the fermentative product present in the fermentation broth. The salt is acidified before or during HPLC analysis to produce L-lactic acid. Hence, the acid concentration calculated by HPLC analysis can be used to calculate the salt titer in the fermentation broth by adjusting for difference in molecular weight between the two compounds.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is also an appropriate method to determine the amount of target product and byproducts, particularly if they are volatile. Samples of fermentation can be isolated any time during and after fermentation and volatile compounds in the headspace can be extracted for analysis. Non-volatile compounds in the fermentation medium (for example, organic acids) can also be analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization (i.e., chemical alteration) for detection by GC-MS. Non-volatile compounds can also be extracted from fermentation medium by sufficiently increasing the temperature of the fermentation medium, causing non-volatile compounds to transition into gas phase for detection by GC-MS. Molecules are carried by an inert gas carries as they move through a column for separation and then arrive at a detector.

Purification of L-Lactic Acid and L-Lactate Salts

The present disclosure describes the methods for purifying and analyzing fermentation product synthesized by recombinant cells of the present disclosure, wherein the fermentation product comprises L-lactic acid and L-lactates. The methods comprise separating soluble fermentation product from fermentation broth, cells, cell debris and soluble impurities, and isolating the soluble fermentation product. The fermentation product is analyzed for relative amounts of L- and L-lactic acid enantiomers. In some examples, the methods may also comprise converting fermentation product from soluble form to insoluble, crystalline form, and isolating the crystalline fermentation product.

At the end of fermentation, the fermentation broth contains fermentation product, in soluble and/or insoluble forms, together with biomass and soluble impurities that comprise salts, proteins, unconverted sugars, and other impurities including color bodies. Biomass and soluble impurities are removed via a series of purification steps. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, purification steps may comprise centrifugation, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, diafiltration, ion exchange, crystallization, and any combination thereof. In some of these embodiments, ion exchange resins and nanofiltration membranes are used as polishing steps to remove trace amounts of soluble impurities, unconverted sugars and color bodies.

In some embodiments, the process of purifying fermentation product (i.e., L-lactic acid and L-lactates) comprises a step of separating a liquid fraction containing fermentation product from a solid fraction that contains cells and cell debris. For this separation, any amount of fermentation broth can be processed, including the entirety of the fermentation broth. The amount of fermentation broth processed can depend on the type of fermentation process used, such as batch or continuous fermentation processes. In various embodiments, removal of cells and cell debris can be accomplished, for example, via centrifugation using specific g-forces and residence times, and/or filtration using molecular weight cutoffs that are suitable for efficiently separating the liquid fraction containing fermentation product from the solid fraction that contains cells and cell debris. In some embodiments, removal of cells and cell debris is repeated at least once at one or in more than one step in the methods provided herein.

In some embodiments, centrifugation is used to provide a liquid fraction comprising fermentation product that is substantially free of cells. Many types of centrifuges useful for the removal of cells and solids from fermentation broth are known to those skilled in the art, including disc-stack and decanter centrifuges. Centrifuges are well suited for separating solids with a particle size of between 0.5 mm to 500 mm and density greater than that of the liquid phase (ca. 1.0 g/mL). Yeast cells, as a non-limiting example of a fermentation product-producing microbe, typically have a particle size between 4-6 mm and a density of around 1.1 g/mL; therefore, centrifugation is well suited for removing yeast cells from fermentation broth.

In some embodiments, a disc-stack centrifuge is used to provide a liquid fraction comprising fermentation product that substantially free of cells. A disc stack centrifuge separates solids, which are discharged intermittently during operation, from liquids, typically in a continuous process. A disc-stack centrifuge is well suited for separating soft, non-abrasive solids, including cells. In some embodiments, a decanter centrifuge is used to provide a liquid fraction comprising fermentation product that is substantially free of cells. A decanter centrifuge can typically process larger amounts of solids and is often used instead of a disc-stack centrifuge for processing fermentation broth when the cell mass and other solids exceeds about 3% w/w.

Other methods can be used in addition to, or alone, with the above centrifugation processes. For example, microfiltration is also an effective means to remove cells from fermentation broth. Microfiltration comprises filtering the fermentation broth through a membrane having pore sizes from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, microfiltration is used to provide a liquid fraction comprising fermentation product that is substantially free of cells.

In some embodiments, cells removed by centrifugation and/or microfiltration are recycled back into the fermentation. Recycling cells back into the fermentation can increase fermentation product yield since less carbon source (for example, glucose) will typically be used to generate new cells. Additionally, recycling cells back into the fermentation can also increase fermentation product productivity since the concentration of cells producing L-lactic acid and/or L-lactate in the fermenter can be increased.

While suitable for removing cells, centrifugation and microfiltration are not generally effective at removing cells debris, proteins, DNA and other smaller molecular weight compounds from the fermentation broth. Ultrafiltration is a process similar to microfiltration, but the membrane has pore sizes ranging from about 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm. This pore size equates to a molecular weight cut-off (the size of macromolecule that will be ca. 90% retained by the membrane) from about 1,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons. The ultrafiltration permeate will contain low-molecular weight compounds, including fermentation product and various other soluble salts while the ultrafiltration retentate will contain the majority of residual cell debris, DNA, and proteins. In some embodiments, ultrafiltration is used to provide a liquid fraction comprising L-lactate salts that is substantially free of cell debris and proteins.

In some embodiments, nanofiltration is used to separate out certain contaminating salts, sugars, color forming bodies, and other organic compounds present in clarified fermentation broth containing fermentation product (i.e., L-lactic acid and L-lactates). In nanofiltration, the clarified fermentation broth (i.e., the fermentation broth resulting from the combination of centrifugation, microfiltration, and/or ultrafiltration steps described above) is filtered through a membrane having pore sizes ranging from 0.0005 mm to 0.005 mm, equating to a molecular weight cut-off of about 100 Daltons to about 2,000 Daltons. Nanofiltration can be useful for removing divalent and multivalent ions, maltose and other disaccharides (for example, sucrose), polysaccharides, and other complex molecules with a molecular weight larger than fermentation product (for example, sodium L-lactate 112.06 g/mol, magnesium L-lactate 202.45 g/mol, calcium L-lactate 218.22 g/mol, potassium L-lactate 128.17 g/mol). Non-limiting examples of nanofiltration materials include ceramic membranes, metal membranes, polymer membranes, and composite membranes.

In some embodiments, ion exchange is used to remove specific contaminating salts present in clarified fermentation broth containing fermentation product. Ion exchange elements can take the form of resin beads as well as membranes. Frequently, the resins are cast in the form of porous beads. The resins can be cross-linked polymers having active groups in the form of electrically charged sites. At these sites, ions of opposite charge are attracted but may be replaced by other ions depending on their relative concentrations and affinities for the sites. Ion exchangers can be cationic or anionic. Factors that determine the efficiency of a given ion exchange resin comprise the favorability for a given ion, and the number of active sites available.

A combination of nanofiltration and ion exchange steps can be combined to produce a purified solution of fermentation product from clarified fermentation broth.

The purified solution of fermentation product (i.e., L-lactic acid and L-lactates) as described thus far can be analyzed for enantiomeric purity. In some embodiments, the purified fermentation product is evaluated using a chiral gas chromatography method known to practitioners of ordinary skill in the art. Briefly, the acid and an alcohol are added to the purified solution of fermentation to produce derivatized products of lactic acid. The derivatized products of lactic acid are then prepared for analysis by gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID). Separation of derivatized enantiomers is achieved using Agilent CycloSil-B chiral capillary column and standard operating procedures, or other columns with equivalent capabilities and their respective standard operating procedures. Enantiomeric purity is defined as 100%×{(L-enantiomer)/(D-enantiomer+L-enantiomer)}.

Fermentation products (i.e., L-lactic acid and L-lactates) purified as described thus far can be crystallized to further remove water and any remaining trace, water-soluble impurities. The solution of purified fermentation product as produced by the aforementioned steps can be then fed to the fermentation product crystallization step. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, it is desirable to recover the majority of the L-lactic acid in the insoluble, crystallized form with a minor fraction of L-lactic acid remaining in the mother liquor.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature of the mother liquor is changed to facilitate fermentation product crystallization. In some embodiments, the mother liquor is cooled to a temperature below 20° C. to decrease fermentation product solubility. In some these embodiments, the mother liquor is heated to evaporate excess water. In some of these embodiments, evaporative crystallization is used, as it offers a high yield of fermentation product and prevents the formation of stable gels, which may occur if temperature is reduced below the gelling point of concentrated fermentation product solutions. In some of these embodiments, fermentation product crystallization is achieved by combining various heating and cooling steps. In some of these embodiments, supersaturation is achieved by evaporative crystallization wherein the solute is more concentrated in a bulk solvent that is normally possible under given conditions of temperature and pressure; increased supersaturation of fermentation product in the mother liquor causes the fermentation product to crystallize. Non-limiting examples of crystallizers include forced circulation crystallizers, turbulence/draft tube and baffle crystallizers, induced circulation crystallizers and Oslo-type crystallizers.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the aforementioned heating step, cooling step and change in pH are combined in various ways to crystallize fermentation product, and modified as needed, as apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.

Fermentation product crystals can be isolated from the mother liquor by any technique apparent to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, fermentation product crystals are isolated based on size, weight, density, or combinations thereof. Fermentation product crystal isolation based on size can be accomplished, for example, via filtration, using a filter with a specific particle size cutoff. Fermentation product crystal isolation based on weight or density can be accomplished, for example, via gravitational settling or centrifugation, using, for example, a settler, decanter centrifuge, disc-stack centrifuge, basket centrifuge, or hydrocyclone wherein suitable g-forces and settling or centrifugation times can be determined using methods known in the art. In some embodiments, fermentation product crystals are isolated from the mother liquor via settling for from 30 minutes to 2 hours at a g-force of 1. In other embodiments, L-lactate salt crystals are isolated from the fermentation broth via centrifugation for 20 seconds to 60 seconds at a g-force of from 275 x-g to 1,000 x-g.

Following isolation from the mother liquor, fermentation product crystals are wet with residual mother liquor that coats the crystals. Thus, in some embodiments, it is useful to wash the fermentation product crystals with water to remove these trace impurities that may be in the mother liquor. When washing fermentation product crystals, it is sometimes desired to minimize the dissolution of isolated crystals in the wash water; for this reason, in some embodiments, cold wash (around 4° C.) water is generally used. Additionally, it can be desired to minimize the amount of wash water used to minimize crystal dissolution. In many embodiments, less than 10% w/w wash water is used to wash the fermentation product crystals.

In some embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of removing impurities from fermentation product crystals. Impurities may react with fermentation product crystals and reduce final yields or contribute to fermentation product crystals of lesser purity that limits industrial utility. Non-limiting examples of impurities include acetic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, ethanol, glycerol, citric acid, and propionic acid. In some embodiments, removal of such impurities is accomplished by dissolving the isolated fermentation product crystals into an aqueous solution and recrystallizing the fermentation product. A non-limiting example of dissolving and recrystallizing fermentation product crystals can include dissolving the fermentation product in water and evaporating the resulting aqueous solution (as mentioned above), and finally re-isolating the fermentation product crystals by filtration and/or centrifugation. None, one, or more than one cycle of fermentation product recrystallization may be used so long as the resulting fermentation product are of suitable quality for subsequent esterification. In some embodiments, no fermentation product recrystallizations are performed. In other embodiments, one fermentation product recrystallization is performed. In still further embodiments, more than one fermentation product recrystallization is performed.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, fermentation product crystals are dewatered using a combination of screening and drying methods apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. In some of these embodiments, crystal dewatering steps comprise centrifugation, belt drying, filtration, application of vacuum, or a combination thereof. In some of these embodiments, vacuum is applied at 20 mm of Hg below atmospheric pressure. Suitable devices for crystal dewatering may comprise a Horizontal Vacuum Belt Filter (HVBF) or a Rotary Drum Vacuum Filter (RDVF). Fermentation product crystal isolation based on size can be accomplished, for example, via filtration, using, for example, a filter press, candlestick filter, or other industrially used filtration system with appropriate molecular weight cutoff. Fermentation product crystal isolation based on weight or density can be accomplished, for example, via gravitational settling or centrifugation, using, for example, a settler, decanter centrifuge, disc-stack centrifuge, basket centrifuge, or hydrocyclone, wherein suitable g-forces and settling or centrifugation times can be determined using methods known in the art.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, fermentation products are crystallized in the fermentation broth prior to removal of cells, cell debris, contaminating salts and various soluble impurities. In many of these embodiments, the fermentation product crystals are separated from fermentation broth, cells, cell debris, contaminating salts and various soluble impurities by sedimentation, centrifugation, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, ion exchange, or any combination thereof.

Lactic Acid Polymers

In certain aspects, the L-lactic acid provided herein, or a salt or derivative thereof is employed as at least one type of polymerization material to produce a lactic acid polymer. Examples of polymerization material that is employed, comprise, for example, L-lactic acid, or derivatives (such as lactides), and prepolymers and oligomers resulting from polymerizing such monomers to suitable lengths. In some embodiments, the polymerization further comprises D-lactic acid or derivatives (such as lactides) and prepolymers and oligomers thereof.

Non-limiting examples of lactic acid polymers include homopolymers of L-lactic acid, hetero-block polymers, and various types of heteropolymers of lactic acid and non-lactic based polymerization material.

In some embodiments, the lactic acid polymerization materials, or lactic acid polymerization material and another non-lactic acid polymerization material, can be reacted with a suitable polymerization initiator to produce lactic acid polymers. Various Lewis acid-metal catalysts such as dioctyl stannate and the likes, and non-nucleophilic Lewis bases, such as diazabicycloundecane and the likes may be utilized as a polymerization initiator or polymerization catalyst. The polymerization is performed in solution, in a melt, or in a suspension. See for example, Garlotta, “A Literature Review of Poly(lactic)acid,” Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2001, vol. 9, no. 2, pages 63-84.

EXAMPLES

Parent Strain Used in the Examples

The parent strain in Example 1 was a P. kudriavzevii strain auxotrophic for histidine and uracil due to genetic disruptions in URA2 and HIS3 (i.e., the strain cannot grow in media without histidine and uracil supplementation). Histidine auxotrophy in the parent strain enables selection of new, engineered strains that carry a HIS3 marker, enabling histidine prototrophy and indicating desired nucleic acid modification. Likewise, uracil auxotrophy in the parent strain enables selection of new, engineered strains that carry a URA2 marker, enabling uracil prototrophy and indicating desired nucleic acid modification. Thus, cells that were successfully modified with exogenous nucleic acids to comprise desired genetic modifications can grow in media without histidine and/or uracil supplementation, dependent on the selection marker included in the exogenous nucleic acid. Following confirmation of correct strain engineering, the selection marker(s) were removed by, for example, homologous recombination and marker loopout. Removing the marker enables subsequent rounds of strain engineering using the same selection markers.

Media Used in the Examples

Complete supplement mixture (CSM) medium. CSM medium comprised Adenine 10 mg/L; L-Arginine HC150 mg/L; L-Aspartic Acid 80 mg/L; L-Histidine HCl 20 mg/L; L-Isoleucine 50 mg/L; L-Leucine 100 mg/L; L-Lysine HC150 mg/L; L-Methionine 20 mg/L; L-Phenylalanine 50 mg/L; L-Threonine 100 mg/L; L-Tryptophan 50 mg/L; L-Tyrosine 50 mg/L; Uracil 20 mg/L; L-Valine 140 mg/L. The YNB used in the CSM comprised Ammonium sulfate 5.0 g/L, Biotin 2.0 mg/L, Calcium pantothenate 400 mg/L, Folic acid 2.0 mg/L, Inositol 2.0 mg/L, Nicotinic acid 0-400 mg/L, p-Aminobenzoic acid 200 mg/L, Pyridoxine HC1400 mg/L, Riboflavin 200 mg/L, Thiamine HCl 400 mg/L, Boric acid 500 mg/L, Copper sulfate 40 mg/L, Potassium iodide 100 mg/L, Ferric chloride 200 mg/L, Manganese sulfate 400 mg/L, Sodium molybdate 200 mg/L, Zinc sulfate 400 mg/L, Potassium phosphate monobasic 1.0 g/L, Magnesium sulfate 0.5 g/L, Sodium chloride 0.1 g/L, and Calcium chloride 0.1 g/L.

Complete supplement mixture minus histidine (CSM-His) medium. CSM-His medium is identical to CSM medium with the exception that histidine was not included in the medium. Engineered strains auxotrophic for histidine are unable to grow on CSM-His medium while engineered strains containing exogenous nucleic acids comprising a histidine selectable marker (for example, HIS3) are capable of growth in CSM-His medium.

Complete supplement mixture minus uracil (CSM-Ura) medium. CSM-Ura medium is identical to CSM medium with the exception that uracil was not included in the medium. Engineered strains auxotrophic for uracil are unable to grow on CSM-Ura medium while engineered strains containing exogenous nucleic acids comprising a uracil selectable marker (for example, URA2) are capable of growth in CSM-Ura medium.

BM02 medium. BM02 medium is Glucose 125 g/L, K₂SO₄ 0.816 g/L, Na₂SO₄ 0.1236, MgSO4-7H2O 0.304 g/L, Urea 4.3 g/L, Myo-inositol 2 mg/L, Thiamin HCl 0.4 mg/L, Pyridoxal HCl 0.4 mg/L, Niacin 0.4 mg/L, Ca-Pantothenate 0.4 mg/L, Biotin mg/L, Folic acid 2 mg/L, PABA 200 mg/L, Riboflavin 200 mg/L, Boric acid 0.25 mg/L, Copper sulfate pentahydrate 393 mg/L, Iron sulfate 11.0 mg/L, Manganese chloride 1.6 mg/L, Sodium molybdate 100 mg/L, Zinc sulfate 4 mg/L, and EDTA 11 mg/L.

BM02-P medium. BM02-P medium is BM02 medium with 1 g/L potassium phosphate.

YPE medium. YPE medium is Bacto peptone 20 g/L, Yeast extract 10 g/L, and Ethanol 2% (v/v).

Example 1: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strain, LPK15779, with Eliminated Expression of Pyruvate Decarboxylase

Example 1 describes the construction of a pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) minus P. kudriavzevii, LPK15779, wherein all three PDC genes, i.e., Pdc1, Pdc5 and Pdc6, were genetically disrupted to eliminate expression of PkPDC1 (SEQ ID NO: 6), PkPDC5 (SEQ ID NO: 7), and PkPDC6 (SEQ ID NO: 8).

The parent P. kudriavzevii strain used in this example was auxotrophic for uracil and histidine. To eliminate PDC expression, the Pdc1, Pdc5 and Pdc6 genes in the P. kudriavzevii genome were disrupted sequentially. The P. kudriavzevii strain was diploid and two copies of each pyruvate decarboxylase gene were present at the indicated locus; therefore, disruption of each gene was achieved by deleting of both gene copies.

A URA3 selectable marker, amplified by PCR, was provided to the parent P. kudriavzevii strain to complement the uracil auxotrophic deficiency. The URA3 selectable marker comprised unique upstream and downstream homologous regions for homologous recombination at the P. kudriavzevii Pdc1 locus, a transcriptional promoter, a URA3 coding region, and a transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional promoter 5′ of URA3 was the P. kudriavzevii TEF1 promoter (pPkTEF1) and the transcriptional terminator 3′ of URA3 was the S. cerevisiae TDH3 terminator (tScTDH3). The PCR product of the URA3 selectable marker was gel-purified and provided as exogenous nucleic acids to P. kudriavzevii. Transformation was carried out in a single step and gene deletion was achieved by homologous recombination. Transformants were selected on CSM-Ura medium and successful deletion of both copies of the gene encoding PkPDC1 was confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions. After successful construction of a recombinant P. kudriavzevii comprising a Pdc1 genetic disruption, the URA3 selectable marker was removed from the recombinant strain genome by recombination and marker loopout.

The URA3 selectable marker and genetic disruption strategy described above were reused to next disrupt the Pdc5 and Pdc6 genes in succession. Deletion of the native genes encoding PkPDC5 and PkPDC6 was confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions. The P. kudriavzevii strain that results from Example 1, LPK15779, was without any URA3 selectable marker. The URA3 selectable marker was absent in the following examples that describe further strain engineering or strain performance testing. Thus, Example 1 produces a PDC minus (i.e., comprises deletion of native genes encoding PkPDC1, PkPDC5, and PkPDC6), uracil and histidine auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii, which was the background strain for Example 2 below.

Example 2: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Background Strain, LPK15942, with Eliminated Expression of Pyruvate Decarboxylase and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

Example 2 describes the construction of a pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH) minus P. kudriavzevii, LPK15942, wherein expression of PDH was eliminated via genetic disruption of the Pda1 gene. Pda1 encodes for the E1 a-subunit (PkPDA1; SEQ ID NO: 9) of the PDH. When PkPDA1 expression is eliminated, PDH cannot assemble into a functional complex. Thus, PDH expression is also eliminated and the recombinant host cell is unable to catalyze the conversion of pyruvate, coenzyme A and NAD+ to acetyl-CoA, CO₂ and NADH in the host cell mitochondria. This genetic disruption has the end result of decreasing respiration, thereby decreasing formation of byproduct CO₂ and increasing L-lactic acid production.

PkPDA1 was genetically disrupted using the same engineering strategy as described above in Example 1. LPK15779, a PDC minus, uracil and histidine auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii strain from Example 1 was the background strain used in Example 2.

A HIS3 selectable marker, amplified by PCR, was provided to the background strain (from Example 1) to complement the histidine auxotophic deficiency. The HIS3 selectable marker comprised unique upstream and downstream homologous regions for homologous recombination at the Pda1 locus of the background strain genome, a transcriptional promoter, a HIS3 coding region, and a transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional promoter 5′ of HIS3 was the P. kudriavzevii TEF1 promoter (pPkTEF1) and the transcriptional terminator 3′ of HIS3 was the S. cerevisiae TDH3 terminator (tScTDH3). The PCR product of the HIS3 selectable marker was gel-purified and provided as exogenous nucleic acids to the background strain. Transformation was carried out in a single step and gene deletion was achieved by homologous recombination. Transformants were selected on CSM-His medium and successful deletion of both copies of the genes encoding PkPDA1 was confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions. After successful construction of a recombinant P. kudriavzevii comprising a Pda1 genetic disruption, the HIS3 selectable marker was removed from the recombinant strain genome by recombination and marker loopout.

The P. kudriavzevii strain that resulted from Example 2, LPK15942, was without a HIS3 selectable marker. The HIS3 selectable marker was absent in the following examples that describe further strain engineering or strain performance testing. Example 2 produced a PDC minus, PDH minus, uracil and histidine auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii (i.e., the strain comprised deletion of native genes encoding PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, and PkPDA1), which was the background strain used in Example 3.

Example 3: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strain, LPK151316, with Eliminated Expression of the Mitochondrial External NADH Dehydrogenase

Example 3 describes the construction of a mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase (NDE1) minus P. kudriavzevii, LPK151316, wherein expression of NDE1 was eliminated via genetic disruption of the Nde1 gene. When PkNDE1 (SEQ ID NO: 11) expression is eliminated, the recombinant host cell is unable to oxidize cytosolic NAD(P)H to NAD(P)+, thus not competing with the L-lactic acid pathway for NAD(P)H, which is utilized by the L-lactic acid pathway to make L-lactic acid. This genetic disruption has the end result of increased L-lactic acid product formation.

PkNDE1 was genetically disrupted using the same engineering strategy as described in Examples 1 and 2. LPK15942, a PDC minus, PDH minus, and uracil auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii from Example 2 was the background strain used in Example 3.

A HIS3 selectable marker, amplified by PCR, was provided to the background strain (from Example 2) to complement the histidine auxotrophic deficiency. The HIS 3 selectable marker comprised unique upstream and downstream homologous regions for homologous recombination at the Pda1 locus of the background strain genome, a transcriptional promoter, a HIS3 coding region, and a transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional promoter 5′ of HIS3 was the P. kudriavzevii TEF1 promoter (pPkTEF1) and the transcriptional terminator 3′ of HIS3 was the S. cerevisiae TDH3 terminator (tScTDH3). The PCR product of the HIS3 selectable marker was gel-purified and provided as exogenous nucleic acids to the background strain. Transformation was carried out in a single step and gene deletion was achieved by homologous recombination. Transformants were selected on CSM-His medium and successful deletion of both copies of genes encoding PkNDE1 was confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions. After successful construction of a recombinant P. kudriavzevii comprising a Nde1 genetic disruption, the HIS3 selectable marker was removed from the recombinant strain genome by recombination and marker loopout.

The P. kudriavzevii strain that resulted from Example 3, LPK151316, was without a HIS3 selectable marker. The HIS selectable marker was absent in the following examples that describe further strain engineering or strain performance testing. Example 3 produced a PDC minus, PDH minus, NDE1 minus, uracil and histidine auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii (i.e., the strain comprised deletion of native genes encoding PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, PkPDA1, and PkNDE1), which was the background strain used in Example 5.

Example 4: Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Background Strain, LPK151316, does not Naturally Produce L-Lactic Acid

Example 4 describes the culturing and analysis of LPK151316 (from Example 3) for L-lactic acid production before LPK151316 was used as the background strain for genomic integration of the L-lactic acid pathway (Example 5). LPK151316 colonies are used to inoculate replicate tubes of 15 mL of YPE medium and are incubated at 30° C. with 80% humidity and shaking at 250 rpm for 20 hours. These replicate tubes of pre-cultures are used to inoculate baffled flask replicates of 250 mL of BM02-P media with 10% glucose, 1% ethanol and 40 g/L CaCO₃. Pre-cultures are diluted 50× with 1 M HCl for OD600 measurements to inform appropriate dilution of pre-cultures to produce a starting culture biomass of 1 g/L dry cell weight (DCW). Baffled flask cultures are then incubated at 30° C. with 80% humidity and shaking at 250 rpm. After 48 hours, the cultures are diluted 10× with 12 M HCl, spin-filtered and frozen for storage. Samples are analyzed by HPLC within 48 hours of harvest.

For HPLC analysis, frozen samples are thawed analyzed by HPLC using a Bio-Rad Aminex 87H column (300×7.8 mm) and a Bio-Rad Fermentation Monitoring column (#1250115; 150×7.8 mm) installed in series, with an isocratic elution rate of 0.8 mL/min with water at pH 1.95 (with sulfuric acid) at 30° C. Refractive index and UV 210 nm measurements are acquired for 35 minutes.

The LPK151316 background strain does not produce detectable amounts of L-lactic acid. Thus, all engineered P. kudriavzevii strains built from this background strain are incapable of producing L-lactic acid without the heterologous nucleic acids that encode the L-lactic acid pathway (Example 5).

Example 5: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strains LPK15980, LPK15982, LPK15985, LPK15987, LPK15989, and LPK15990 Comprising an Enzyme that Converts Pyruvate to L-Lactic Acid

Example 5 describes the construction of recombinant P. kudriavzevii host cells of the present disclosure wherein each strain comprised heterologous nucleic acids encoding an enzyme of the L-lactic acid pathway capable of carrying out the activity of the LLDH. LPK15980 comprised the LLDH from Bacillus megaterium (abbv. BmLDH; UniProt ID: P00345). LPK15982 comprised the LLDH from Bostaurus (abbv. BtLDH; UniProt ID: P19858). LPK15985 comprised the LLDH from Lactobacillus casei (abbv. LcLDH; UniProt ID: P00343). LPK15987 comprised the LLDH from Lactobacillus helveticus (abbv. LhLDH; UniProt ID: 032765). LPK15989 comprised the LLDH from Lactobacillus plantarum (abbv. LhLDH; UniProt ID: P56512). LPK15990 comprised the LLDH from Pediococcus acidilactici (abbv. LhLDH; UniProt ID: Q59645). In each strain, insertion of the heterologous nucleic acids encoding the LLDH genetically disrupts both copies of PkADH6C, i.e., producing an ADH6C minus phenotype.

The PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, and uracil and histidine auxotrophic P. kudriavzevii, LPK15779 from Example 1 was the background strain used in this example.

The heterologous nucleic acids used in this example were codon-optimized for yeast and were synthesized and provided by Twist Bioscience; each gene was cloned into its own entry vector, pEV, along with an upstream transcriptional promoter and a downstream transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional terminators cloned in from (5′) of each gene were constitutive and derived from P. kudriavzevii. The transcriptional terminators cloned behind (3′) of each gene were derived from S. cerevisiae. The promoter and terminator were the P. kudriavzevii TDH1 promoter (pPkTDH1) and the S. cerevisiae TEF1 terminator (tScTEF1), respectively. Additionally, a HIS3 marker was included in the heterologous expression cassette to complement the histidine auxotrophic deficiency in HIS3 marker comprised a transcriptional promoter, a HIS3 coding region, and a transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional promoter 5′ of HIS3 was the P. kudriavzevii TEF1 promoter (pPkTEF1) and the transcriptional terminator 3′ of HIS3 was the S. cerevisiae TDH3 terminator (tScTDH3).

All PCR products were purified and provided as exogenous nucleic acids to P. kudriavzevii. Transformation was carried out in a single step. Transformants were selected on CSM-His medium. Successful integration of all heterologous nucleic acids encoding the L-lactic acid pathway enzymes as well as deletion of both copies of the genes encoding PkADH6C were confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions.

Example 5 produced recombinant host cells that comprised heterologous nucleic acids encoding an enzyme of the L-lactic acid pathway derived from either B. megaterium, B. taurus, L. casei, L. helveticus, L. plantarum, or P. acidilacti. The recombinant host cells further comprised genetic disruption of PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, and PkADH6C. The resulting strains were additionally auxotrophic for uracil.

Example 6: Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strains LPK15980, LPK15982, LPK15985, LPK15987, LPK15989, and LPK15990 Produce Increased Amounts of L-Lactic Acid

Example 6 describes the culturing and analysis of recombinant host cells LPK15980, LPK15982, LPK15985, LPK15987, LPK15989, and LPK15990 from Example 5 and the control, parental host cell LPK15779. The recombinant strains were cultured and analyzed by HPLC according to methods described above in Example 4.

The recombinant strains with an L-lactic acid pathway produced between 2-22 g/L L-lactic acid as compared to the background strain LPK15779 which did not produce L-lactic acid. Strains LPK15980, LPK15985, and LPK15987, specifically, produced between 13-22 g/L lactic acid. LPK15987, expressing LhLDH, produced the highest lactic acid titer (21.5 g/L). This example demonstrates, in accordance with the present disclosure, the expression of heterologous nucleic acids encoding an L-lactic acid pathway in recombinant P. kudriavzevii with increased L-lactic acid yields as compared to a host cell lacking the heterologous L-lactic acid pathway but otherwise genetically identical. This example demonstrates, in accordance with the present disclosure, the expression of heterologous nucleic acids encoding an L-lactic acid pathway in recombinant P. kudriavzevii can increase L-lactic acid yields as compared to a host cell lacking the heterologous L-lactic acid pathway but is otherwise genetically identical.

Example 7: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strain LPK151048, with Eliminated Expression of Pyruvate Decarboxylase, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, and Comprises an Enzyme that Converts Pyruvate to L-Lactic Acid

Example 7 describes the construction of a pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) minus and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex minus, P. kudriavzevii strain, LPK151048, comprising heterologous nucleic acids encoding LhLDH, an enzyme of the lactic acid pathway capable of converting pyruvate to lactic acid (see Example 6).

P. kudriavzevii strain LPK15942 from Example 3 was the background strain used in this example.

The heterologous nucleic acids used in this example were codon-optimized for yeast and were synthesized and provided by Twist Bioscience; each gene was cloned into its own entry vector, pEV, along with an upstream transcriptional promoter and a downstream transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional terminators cloned in from (5′) of each gene were constitutive and derived from P. kudriavzevii. The transcriptional terminators cloned behind (3′) of each gene were derived from S. cerevisiae. The promoter and terminator were the P. kudriavzevii TDH1 promoter (pPkTDH1) and the S. cerevisiae TEF1 terminator (tScTEF1), respectively. Additionally, a HIS3 marker was included in the heterologous expression cassette to complement the histidine auxotrophic deficiency in HIS3 marker comprised a transcriptional promoter, a HIS3 coding region, and a transcriptional terminator. The transcriptional promoter 5′ of HIS3 was the P. kudriavzevii TEF1 promoter (pPkTEF1) and the transcriptional terminator 3′ of HIS3 was the S. cerevisiae TDH3 terminator (tScTDH3).

All PCR products were purified and provided as exogenous nucleic acids to P. kudriavzevii. Transformation was carried out in a single step. Transformants were selected on CSM-His medium. Successful integration of all heterologous nucleic acids encoding the L-lactic acid pathway enzymes as well as deletion of both copies of the genes encoding PkADH6C were confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions. After successful construction of recombinant P. kudriavzevii strain LPK151048, the HIS3 selectable marker was removed from the recombinant strain genome by recombination and marker loopout, generating recombinant P. kudriavzevii strain LPK151205.

Example 7 produced recombinant host cells that comprised heterologous nucleic acids encoding an enzyme of the L-lactic acid pathway derived from Lactobacillus helveticus. The recombinant host cells further comprised genetic disruption of PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, PkPDA1, and PkADH6C. The resulting strains were additionally auxotrophic for uracil.

Example 8: Construction of Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strain LPK151296, with Eliminated Expression of Pyruvate Decarboxylase, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, and External Mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase, and Comprises an Enzyme that Converts Pyruvate to L-Lactic Acid

Example 8 describes the construction of a pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) minus, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDA1) minus, external mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (NDE1) minus P. kudriavzevii strain, LPK151296, comprising heterologous nucleic acids encoding LhLDH, an enzyme of the lactic acid pathway capable of converting pyruvate to lactic acid (see Example 6).

P. kudriavzevii strain LPK151205 from Example 7 was the background strain used in this example. PkNDE1 was genetically disrupted using the same engineering strategy as described in Example 3. Transformants were selected on CSM-His medium and successful deletion of both copies of genes encoding PkNDE1 was confirmed by genetic sequencing of this locus and the flanking regions.

Example 8 produced recombinant host cells that comprised heterologous nucleic acids encoding an enzyme of the L-lactic acid pathway derived from Lactobacillus helveticus. The recombinant host cells further comprised genetic disruption of PkPDC1, PkPDC5, PkPDC6, PkPDA1, PkNDE1, and PkADH6C. The resulting strains were additionally auxotrophic for uracil.

Example 9: Recombinant P. kudriavzevii Strain LPK15296 Produces an Increased Amount of L-Lactic Acid as Compared to P. kudriavzevii Strain LPK151048

Example 9 describes the culturing and analysis of recombinant host cells LPK151296 and LPK151048 from Examples 8 and 7, respectively. LPK151296 is genetically identical to LPK151048 with the exception that it additional comprises deletion of PkNDE1, encoding a mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase. The recombinant strains were cultured and analyzed by HPLC according to methods described above in Example 4.

Recombinant P. kudriavzevii LPK151296 produced 77+/−1.5 g/L L-lactic acid while recombinant P. kudriavzevii LPK151048 produced 36+/−1.2 g/L L-lactic acid (mean+/−standard deviation). This example demonstrates, in accordance with the present disclosure, that deletion or disruption of a mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase in recombinant P. kudriavzevii comprising heterologous nucleic acids encoding an L-lactic acid pathway enzyme increases L-lactic acid production as compared to a host cell expressing a mitochondrial external NADH dehydrogenase but otherwise genetically identical.

Lactobacillus helveticus SEQ ID NO: 1 MAREEKPRKV ILVGDGAVGS TFAFSMVQQG IAEELGIIDI AKEHVEGDAI DLADATPWTS   60 PKNIYAADYP DCKDADLVVI TAGAPQKPGE TRLDLVNKNL KILSSIVEPV VESGFEGIFL  120 VVANPVDILT HATWRMSGFP KDRVIGSGTS LDTGRLQKVI GKMENVDPSS VNAYMLGEHG  180 DTEFPAWSYN NVAGVKVADW VKAHNMPESK LEDIHQEVKD MAYDIINKKG ATFYGIGTAS  240 AMIAKAILND EHRVLPLSVP MDGEYGLHDL HIGTPAVVGR KGLEQVIEMP LSDKEQELMT  300 Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEQ ID NO: 2 MSSTDEHIEK DISSRSNHDD DYANSVQSYA ASEGQVDNED LAATSQLSRH LSNILSNEEG   60 IERLESMARV ISHKTKKEMD SFEINDLDFD LRSLLHYLRS RQLEQGIEPG DSGIAFKNLT  120 AVGVDASAAY GPSVEEMFRN IASIPAHLIS KFTKKSDVPL RNIIQNCTGV VESGEMLFVV  180 GRPGAGCSTF LKCLSGETSE LVDVQGEFSY DGLDQSEMMS KYKGYVIYCP ELDFHFPKIT  240 VKETIDFALK CKTPRVRIDK MTRKQYVDNI RDMWCTVFGL RHTYATKVGN DFVRGVSGGE  300 RKRVSLVEAQ AMNASIYSWD NATRGLDAST ALEFAQAIRT ATNMVNNSAI VAIYQAGENI  360 YELFDKTTVL YNGRQIYFGP ADKAVGYFQR MGWVKPNRMT SAEFLTSVTV DFENRTLDIK  420 PGYEDKVPKS SSEFEEYWLN SEDYQELLRT YDDYQSRHPV NETRDRLDVA KKQRLQQGQR  480 ENSQYVVNYW TQVYYCMIRG FQRVKGDSTY TKVYLSSFLI KALIIGSMFH KIDDKSQSTT  540 AGAYSRGGML FYVLLFASVT SLAEIGNSFS SRPVIVKHKS YSMYHLSAES LQEIITEFPT  600 KFVAIVILCL ITYWIPFMKY EAGAFFQYIL YLLTVQQCTS FIFKFVATMS KSGVDAHAVG  660 GLWVLMLCVY AGFVLPIGEM HHWIRWLHFI NPLTYAFESL VSTEFHHREM LCSALVPSGP  720 GYEGISIANQ VCDAAGAVKG NLYVSGDSYI LHQYHFAYKH AWRNWGVNIV WTFGYIVFNV  780 ILSEYLKPVE GGGDLLLYKR GHMPELGTEN ADARTASREE MMEALNGPNV DLEKVIAEKD  840 VFTWNHLDYT IPYDGATRKL LSDVFGYVKP GKMTALMGES GAGKTTLLNV LAQRINMGVI  900 TGDMLVNAKP LPASFNRSCG YVAQADNHMA ELSVRESLRF AAELRQQSSV PLEEKYEYVE  960 KIITLLGMQN YAEALVGKTG RGLNVEQRKK LSIGVELVAK PSLLLFLDEP TSGLDSQSAW 1020 SIVQFMRALA DSGQSILCTI HQPSATLFEQ FDRLLLLKKG GKMVYFGDIG PNSETLLKYF 1080 ERQSGMKCGV SENPAEYILN CIGAGATASV NSDWHDLWLA SPECAAARAE VEELHRTLPG 1140 RAVNDDPELA TRFAASYMTQ IKCVLRRTAL QFWRSPVYIR AKFFECVACA LFVGLSYVGV 1200 NHSVGGAIEA FSSIFMLLLI ALAMINQLHV FAYDSRELYE VREAASNTFH WSVLLLCHAA 1260 VENFWSTLCQ FMCFICYYWP AQFSGRASHA GFFFFFYVLI FPLYFVTYGL WILYMSPDVP 1320 SASMINSNLF AAMLLFCGIL QPREKMPAFW RRLMYNVSPF TYVVQALVTP LVHNKKVVCN 1380 PHEYNIMDPP SGKTCGEFLS TYMDNNTGYL VNPTATENCQ YCPYTVQDQV VAKYNVKWDH 1440 RWRNFGFMWA YICFNIAAML ICYYVVRVKV WSLKSVLNFK KWFNGPRKER HEKDTNIFQT 1500 VPGDENKITK K                                                      1511 Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEQ ID NO: 3 MDTQIAITGV AVGKEINNDN SKTDQKVSLP KADVPCIDKA TQTIIEGCSK DDPRLSYPTK   60 LETTEKGKTK RNSFACVCCH SLKQKCEPSD VNDIYRKPCR RCLKHKKLCK FDLSKRTRKR  120 KPRSRSPTPF ESPMVNVSTK SKGPTDSEES SLKDGTSYLA SFPSDPNAKQ FPNSRTVLPG  180 LQQSLSDLWS TLSQPPSYGA REAETTSTGE ITTNNHTKSN GSVPTNPAVL ASNDEHTNIS  240 DAPVIYSTYN SPVPISSAPT SINSEALFKH RPKIVGDEET QNVKVKRQKK SYSRHMTRSF  300 RKQLQSLIIS QKGKIRDISM KLDTWSKQWN DLVEKSMFLP TIADPVSVGI ISHEEATLRL  360 HLYKTEISYL SKLPFIKVEE NVSVDELRKK KPILFSVIMS CVSIVLTPKQ TTRGTIMKLD  420 SFVLNLITNQ IFKANNKSIE IIESLSTLCL WYNFFEWSSK TRYHIFNYIC CCLTRDLGPT  480 YVNRSFGMFS DEDPKRFKSP LELYSNGASL TLLVYISALN ISIFLRQSIQ ARWSHVTEKA  540 CEDLVKETKK SRHYDNDKLL LDSADDPILV QFAKMNHVLE NIHTHLHERD LNDDEFDDPI  600 FTKKYLNKLM EKYHKQLQEI FTKLDRNRPR VIAFYYSVEA YLYQYKLAVF IGEMSHTINE  660 KVELPREIMD DFVKCYHCCK SALEEFSKLE PILITSLPLF HTSRIIYTVG MLLLKLRYSV  720 VAIPSFHDLM PLTDDAIALV IGVNNLLEKT SELYPFNNSL YKFRYVIALF CQTYANKVID  780 VADRYNAERE KLKEKQVIDE VSNGHDGTKP INAYVTESQK MPTEEDPIID NNTNQNITAV  840 PDEMLPVYSR VRDDTAAMNL NINSTSYMNE SPHEHRESMT GTTLLPPPFI SNDVTNSADS  900 TNIKPSPSSS VDNLNDYLTD INSLAWGVNS LNDEFWTDLF MNDI                   944 Schizosaccharomyces pombe SEQ ID NO: 4 MGELKEILKQ RYHELLDWNV KAPHVPLSQR LKHFTWSWFA CTMATGGVGL IIGSFPFRFY   60 GLNTIGKIVY ILQIFLFSLF GSCMLFRFIK YPSTIKDSWN HHLEKLFIAT CLLSISTFID  120 MLAIYAYPDT GEWMVWVIRI LYYIYVAVSF IYCVMAFFTI FNNHVYTIET ASPAWILPIF  180 PPMICGVIAG AVNSTQPAHQ LKNMVIFGIL FQGLGFWVYL LLFAVNVLRF FTVGLAKPQD  240 RPGMFMFVGP PAFSGLALIN IARGAMGSRP YIFVGANSSE YLGFVSTFMA IFIWGLAAWC  300 YCLAMVSFLA GFFTRAPLKF ACGWFAFIFP NVGFVNCTIE IGKMIDSKAF QMFGHIIGVI  360 LCIQWILLMY LMVRAFLVND LCYPGKDEDA HPPPKPNTGV LNPTFPPEKA PASLEKVDTH  420 VTSTGGESDP PSSEHESV                                                438 Kluyveromyces marxianus SEQ ID NO: 5 MSNSSSSEGK TNEDGRNSVH SSDSFAQSVA SFHLDDNESQ NVTAQLSQQI TNVLSNSNGA   60 ERIESLARVI STKTKKQMES FEVNQLDFDL KALLNYLRSS QLEQGIEPGD SGIAFHDLTA  120 VGIDASAAFG PSVEEMVRSW IHFPVRLWKK ICRQKSETPL RNIIQHCTGV VESGEMLFVV  180 GRPGAGCSTL LKCLSGETGE LVEVTGDISY DGLSQEEMMQ KFKGYVIYCP ELDFHFPKIT  240 VKETIDFALK CKTPRSRIDH LTRAQYVDNM RDLWCTVFGL THTYATNVGN DVVRGVSGGE  300 RKRVSLVEAL AMNASIYSWD NATRGLDAST ALEFAQAIRT ATNMMNNSAI VAIYQAGENI  360 YQLFDKTTVL YNGKQVYFGP ADEAVGYFER MGYIKPNRMT SAEFLTSATV DFENRTLEVR  420 EGYEEKIPKS STEMEAYWHN SPEYAKATEL FNEYCQSHPE EETRQRLETA KKQRLQKGQR  480 EKSQFVVTFW AQVWYCMIRG FQRVKGDSTY TKVYLSSFLT KGLIVGSMFH KIDPKSQSTT  540 EGAYSRGGLL FYVLLFAALT SLAEISNSFQ NRAIIVKQKT YSMYHTSAES LQEIFTEIPT  600 KFVAILTLSL VSYWIPVLKY DAGSFFQYLL YLFTTQQCTS FIFKLVATLT KDGGTAHAIG  660 GLWVLMLTVY AGFVLPIGNM HHWIRWFHYL NPLTYAYESL MSTEFHGRKM LCSRLLPSGP  720 GYENVSIAHK ICDAAGAVAG QLYVSGDAYV LKKYHFRYKH AWRDWGINIV WTFGYIVMNV  780 VMSEYLKPLE GGGDLLLYKR GHMPELGSES VDSKVASREE MMESLNGPGV DLEKVIASKD  840 VFTWNHLNYT IPYDGATRQL LSDVFGYVKP GKMTALMGES GAGKTTLLNV LAQRINVGVI  900 TGDMLVNAKP LPPSFNRSCG YVAQADNHMG ELSVRESLRF AAELRQPKSV PLQEKYDYVE  960 KIISLLGMEK YAEAIIGKTG RGLNVEQRKK LSIGVELVAK PSLLLFLDEP TSGLDSQSAW 1020 SIVQFMRALA DSGQSILCTI HQPSATLFEQ FDRLLLLKKG GKMVYFGDIG ENSSTLLNYF 1080 ERQSGVKCGK SENPAEYMLN CIGAGATASA DADWHDLWLQ SPECAAAREE VEELHRTLAS 1140 RPVTDDKELA GRYAASYLTQ MKCVFRRTNI QFWRSPVYIR AKFLECVLCA LFVGLSYVGV 1200 DHSIAGASQS FSSIFMMLLI ALAMVNQLHV FALDSRELYE VREAASNTFH WSVLLLNHTF 1260 VEIIWSTLCE FICWICYYWP AQYSGRASHA GYFFLIYVIM FPAYFVSYGC WVFYMSPDVP 1320 SASMINSNLF AGMLLFCGIL QPKDKMPGFW KRFMYNVSPF TYVVQSLVTP LVQGKKVRCT 1380 KNEFAVVNPP EGQTCSQYFA RFIKDNTGYL KNPNDTESCH YCPYSYQQEV VEQYNVRWVY 1440 RWRNFGFLWA YIGFNFFAML ACYWVLRVKN YSITSIFGVF KIGNWKKAIH HDSRHEKDHT 1500 IFQEKPGDAA NVQKTKA                                                1517 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 6 MTDKISLGTY LFEKLKEAGS YSIFGVPGDF NLALLDHVKE VEGIRWVGNA NELNAGYEAD   60 GYARINGFAS LITTFGVGEL SAVNAIAGSY AEHVPLIHIV GMPSLSAMKN NLLLHHTLGD  120 TRFDNFTEMS KKISAKVEIV YDLESAPKLI NNLIETAYHT KRPVYLGLPS NFADELVPAA  180 LVKENKLHLE EPLNNPVAEE EFIHNVVEMV KKAEKPIILV DACAARHNIS KEVRELAKLT  240 KFPVFTTPMG KSTVDEDDEE FFGLYLGSLS APDVKDIVGP TDCILSLGGL PSDFNTGSFS  300 YGYTTKNVVE FHSNYCKFKS ATYENLMMKG AVQRLISELK NIKYSNVSTL SPPKSKFAYE  360 SAKVAPEGII TQDYLWKRLS YFLKPRDIIV TETGTSSFGV LATHLPRDSK SISQVLWGSI  420 GFSLPAAVGA AFAAEDAHKQ TGEQERRTVL FIGDGSLQLT VQSISDAARW NIKPYIFILN  480 NRGYTIEKLI HGRHEDYNQI QPWDHQLLLK LFADKTQYEN HVVKSAKDLD ALMKDEAFNK  540 EDKIRVIELF LDEFDAPEIL VAQAKLSDEI NSKAA                             575 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 7 MLQTANSEVP NASQITIDAA SGLPADRVLP NITNTEITIS EYIFYRILQL GVRSVFGVPG   60 DFNLRFLEHI YDVHGLNWIG CCNELNAAYA ADAYAKASKK MGVLLTTYGV GELSALNGVA  120 GAYTEFAPVL HLVGTSALKF KRNPRTLNLH HLAGDKKTFK KSDHYKYERI ASEFSVDSAS  180 IEDDPIEACE MIDRVIYSTW RESRPGYIFL PCDLSEMKVD AQRLASPIEL TYRFNSPVSR  240 VEGVADQILQ LIYQNKNVSI IVDGFIRKFR MESEFYDIME KFGDKVNIFS TMYGKGLIGE  300 EHPRFVGTYF GKYEKAVGNL LEASDLIIHF GNFDHELNMG GFTFNIPQEK YIDLSAQYVD  360 ITGNLDESIT MMEVLPVLAS KLDSSRVNVA DKFEKFDKYY ETPDYQREAS LQETDIMQSL  420 NENLTGDDIL IVETCSFLFA VPDLKVKQHT NIILQAYWAS IGYALPATLG ASLAIRDFNL  480 SGKVYTIEGD GSAQMSLQEL SSMLRYNIDA TMILLNNSGY TIERVIVGPH SSYNDINTNW  540 QWTDLLRAFG DVANEKSVSY TIKEREQLLN ILSDPSFKHN GKFRLLECVL PMFDVPKKLG  600 QFTGKIPA                                                           608 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 8 MAPVSLETCT LEFSCKLPLS EYIFRRIASL GIHNIFGVPG DYNLSFLEHL YSVPELSWVG   60 CCNELNSAYA TDGYSRTIGH DKFGVLLTTQ GVGELSAANA IAGSFAEHVP ILHIVGTTPY  120 SLKHKGSHHH HLINGVSTRE PTNHYAYEEM SKNISCKILS LSDDLTNAAN EIDDLFRTIL  180 MLKKPGYLYI PCDLVNVEID ASNLQSVPAN KLRERVPSTD SQTIAKITST IVDKLLSSSN  240 PVVLCDILTD RYGMTAYAQD LVDSLKVPCC NSFMGKALLN ESKEHYIGDF NGEESNKMVH  300 SYISNTDCFL HIGDYYNEIN SGHWSLYNGI NKESIVILNP EYVKIGSQTY QNVSFEDILP  360 AILSSIKANP NLPCFHIPKI MSTIEQIPSN TPISQTLMLE KLQSFLKPND VLVTETCSLM  420 FGLPDIRMPE NSKVIGQHFY LSIGMALPCS FGVSVALNEL KKDSRLILIE GDGSAQMTVQ  480 ELSNFNRENV VKPLIILLNN SGYTVERVIK GPKREYNDIR PDWKWTQLLQ TFGMDDAKSM  540 KVTTPEELDD ALDEYGNNLS TPRLLEVVLD KLDVPWRFNK MVGN                   584 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 9 MLRLFSRRTP SVRALPKFTR SLATASPEAG AQEVSNLHDI VEIELPEYSF EGYKLDVPEL   60 NYSTEKGTLL QMYKDMVIIR RMEMAADALY KAKKIRGFCH LSVGQEAIAV GIENAITKQD  120 DIITSYRCHG TTYMRGASVQ EVLAELMGRR SGVSYGKGGS MHMYTKGFYG GNGIVGAQVP  180 LGTGLAFAHH YRDQKNMTWT MYGDGAANQG QVFESFNMAK LWNLPCVFTC ENNKYGMGTS  240 ASRSSAMTEY YKRGQYIPGL KVNGMDILAV YQAAKFAKEW TSNDNGPLVI EFETYRYGGH  300 SMSDPGTTYR TREEVQNMRS KKDPIAGLKA HLLEFNIATE EEIKAFDKSA RKYVDEQVKL  360 ADASPPPEAK MSILFEDVYV PGSEIPVLRG RIRDDSWSFE KGGFAYK                407 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 10 MVSPAERLST IASTIKPNRK DSTSLQPEDY PEHPFKVTVV GSGNWGCTIA KVIAENTVER   60 PRQFQRDVNM WVYEELIEGE KLTEIINTKH ENVKYLPGIK LPVNVVAVPD IVEACAGSDL  120 IVFNIPHQFL PRILSQLKGK VNPKARAISC LKGLDVNPNG CKLLSTVITE ELGIYCGALS  180 GANLAPEVAQ CKWSETTVAY TIPDDFRGKG KDIDHQILKS LFHRPYFHVR VISDVAGISI  240 AGALKNVVAM AAGFVEGLGW GDNAKAAVMR IGLVETIQFA KTFFDGCHAA TFTHESAGVA  300 DLITTCAGGR NVRVGRYMAQ HSVSATEAEE KLLNGQSCQG IHTTREVYEF LSNMGRTDEF  360 PLFTTTYRII YENFPIEKLP ECLEPVED                                     388 Pichia kudriavzevii SEQ ID NO: 11 MIPRLNPLLN ISHLRGGPKF IGKAIKPSQF EFRKNNFRFN STSTKTGSAR TIKSGFLSWS   60 FRAATFTGIA GWLYLTYLVY KETNPGSQSP QTEFSEIGNK KKNIVILGSG WGAVSVLKTL  120 DTTKYNVTIV SPRNYFLFTP LLPSVPSGTI DIKSICDSIR TIARQTPGEV TYLEAAATDI  180 DPVKKTIKLE HKSQRFLIGD AFTSEGDVIE NELSYDYLVY AVGATVNTFG IPGIPEYASY  240 LKEANDATAV RQKLFNQIEA SRLLPKDSED RKRLLSFVVC GGGPTGVELA AEIKDYIDQD  300 LCKFIPGIEK EMQVTLIEAQ HNVLSMFHPK LIEYTKEVFK QQNLHLQVDT MVKKVDDKNV  360 YATYRHPDGK TEDMVIPYGT LVWAGGNAQR KLTRDLSSKI IEQKTARRGL LVDEYLKLDG  420 DDSIYAIGDC TFTPNPPTAQ VAHQQGEYLG EHFNKLAKID ELNYLITNST DDSTKYSKRL  480 ERAEKAIKPF EYDHQGALAY VGSERAVADL HWGSWSTVAL GGTMTFFFWR TAYVSMLLSI  540 RNKILVVTDW VKVAIFGRDC SQE 

1. A recombinant cell comprising: a heterologous nucleic acid encoding L-lactate dehydrogenase having at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 1; wherein the heterologous nucleic acid is expressed in a sufficient amount to produce L-lactic acid.
 2. The recombinant cell of claim 1, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 65% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 3. The recombinant cell of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 70% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 4. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 75% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 5. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 6. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 85% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 7. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 90% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 8. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 9. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase has greater than 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 1. 10. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the L-lactate dehydrogenase is SEQ ID NO:
 1. 11. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cell is of the genera Candida and does not express a Crabtree-negative phenotype.
 12. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cell is not of the genera Candida and expresses a Crabtree-negative phenotype.
 13. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, the cell is a yeast cell.
 14. The recombinant cell of claim 13, wherein the yeast cell does not have a deletion or disruption of a native L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase gene.
 15. The recombinant cell of claim 13 or claim 14, which is selected from Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
 16. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cell is a prokaryotic cell.
 17. The recombinant cell of claim 16, which is selected from Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactococcus lactis.
 18. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: the L-lactate dehydrogenase comprises the residues GXGXXG, wherein X refers to any amino acid; and 1-3 amino acid residues located 20-22 residues downstream from the GXGXXG sequence is mutated to a neutral amino acid.
 19. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: the L-lactate dehydrogenase comprises the residues GXGXXG, wherein X refers to any amino acid; and a negatively charged amino acid located 18-20 residues downstream from the GXGXXG sequence is mutated to a neutral amino acid.
 20. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acids encoding one or more proteins selected from organic acid transporters and redox cofactor biogenesis proteins.
 21. The recombinant cell of claim 20, wherein one heterologous nucleic acid encodes an organic acid transporter having at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO:
 5. 22. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a genetic disruption of one or more genes encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase, a protein subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, or combinations thereof.
 23. The recombinant cell of claim 22, wherein one genetic disruption is in a gene encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase having at least 60% amino acid identity with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, and SEQ ID NO:
 9. 24. The recombinant cell of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein one genetic disruption is in a gene encoding a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase having at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 10. 25. The recombinant cell of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein one genetic disruption is in a gene encoding an NAD(P)H dehydrogenase having at least 60% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO:
 11. 26. A method of producing L-lactic acid comprising: culturing the recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 25 under fermentation conditions suitable to produce L-lactic acid, or a salt thereof.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the culturing is performed at an oxygen transfer rate greater than 10 mmol/L/hr.
 28. The method of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the culturing is performed at a temperature of 25° C. to 45° C.
 29. The method of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the culturing is performed at a pH of less than
 5. 30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the culturing is performed by providing at least 100 g/L glucose to the recombinant cells to yield at least 25% L-lactic acid.
 31. The method of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the recombinant cell produces less than 5 g/L of ethanol, 5 g/L of pyruvate, 5 g/L of acetate, 5 g/L of glycerol, or any combination thereof.
 32. The method of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the L-lactic acid is produced at enantiomeric purity of >99.5%.
 33. The method of any one of claims 26 to 32, further comprising isolating the L-lactic acid, or salt thereof.
 34. A method for producing a lactic acid polymer, comprising: culturing the recombinant cell of any one of claims 1 to 25 under fermentation conditions suitable to produce L-lactic acid, or a salt thereof; isolating the L-lactic acid or salt thereof; optionally converting the L-lactic acid or salt thereof to an L-lactic acid derivative; and producing a lactic acid polymer using the isolated L-lactic acid, the salt thereof, or the L-lactic acid derivative. 